Eliminate The Stress Of Small Talk With A Fun Game!
Struggling with awkward conversations at holiday gatherings? A simple deck of cards might be the solution!
By Nadine Briggs
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection with family and friends. For those who celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, it’s also a season of giving. However, amidst the excitement of gift exchanges, it’s not uncommon for the “gimmes” to surface, especially in children. With questions like “What do you want for the holidays?” and “What’s on your Christmas or Hanukkah list?” swirling around, the focus can quickly shift to receiving rather than giving. The hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing gifts can leave kids eagerly anticipating the thrill of waking up to a pile of presents. It’s easy for everyone to get a little too “wrapped up” in it all (pun intended!).
But the act of giving is more than a kind gesture—it’s a chance to practice an essential social skill: perspective-taking. Choosing a gift for someone else requires us to step into their shoes, think about what they would enjoy, and consider their unique interests and personality. After all, strong friendships are built on thoughtfulness and understanding.
So how can parents guide their children away from the “gimmes” and toward the joy of giving? Here are some practical tips:
Gratitude fosters optimism and happiness. Encourage children to reflect on the blessings in their lives through activities like maintaining a gratitude jar, keeping a journal, or listing three good things each day and why they matter. Shifting the focus to what they already have can help balance the desire for more.
Help kids develop empathy by asking them to imagine what life might be like for those who are less fortunate. Discuss what it would feel like to lack essentials like food, warm clothing, or shelter. Volunteering together at a charity can bring this lesson to life, showing kids the impact of kindness on others while boosting their own sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Encourage your child to include toys and games for donation in their holiday list. Let them take an active role by earning money for the items or selecting them in-store. Physically delivering these gifts to a toy drive can deepen their sense of contribution and generosity.
Work with your child to come up with small, creative ways to spread joy. This could involve painting rocks with uplifting messages and placing them around the neighborhood or writing kind notes for others. Making kindness a fun activity reinforces its value.
Encourage your child to create a handmade gift, card, or ornament to surprise someone anonymously. For example, one woman “scarf bombed” a local church and homeless shelter by leaving hand-knit scarves on the handrails with notes inviting people to take them. Acts like these are not only meaningful for the recipients but also leave the giver with a lasting sense of fulfillment.
This holiday season, help your children experience the magic that comes from shifting their focus from “gimmes” to “givees.” By embracing gratitude, kindness, and empathy, they’ll discover that giving truly is the greatest gift of all.
If you have a child/teen/young adult with has difficulty making friends, contact us for a free trial at 978-764-2758 or schedule an intake https://calendly.com/simplysocialkids/let-s-connect
