The holiday season is here, and it's a wonderful reminder that the most precious gifts don't always have a price tag. While the joy of giving and receiving presents is undeniable, I want to suggest a different, more enduring gift for our children: THE GIFT OF TIME!
As Jesse Jackson wisely put it, “Children need our presence more than our presents.”
Think about it:
The newest gadgets eventually become outdated.
Fashionable clothes wear out.
The 'must-have' toy is quickly replaced by the next big thing.
But the gift of your presence in your child’s life is a constant. It's an irreplaceable treasure that never fades or goes out of style, no matter your child's age: from the toddler years to the complexities of the teenage years and even early adulthood.
Focus on Connection, Not Cost
This holiday season, make a conscious effort to share some dedicated, quality fun time with your family. This doesn't need to be an expensive or elaborate activity. The true focus should always be on you and your family, fostering a deep connection.
For children of all ages, this could look like:
Little Ones: Cuddling up to read their favorite book (even for the 100th time!), building a magnificent fort, or playing a simple board game.
School-Age Kids: Baking cookies together, tackling a puzzle, taking an unhurried walk to see the holiday lights, or working on a craft project side-by-side.
Tweens & Teens: Watching a movie together (with no phones allowed!), listening to their favorite music and discussing it, or simply taking a drive to chat without an agenda.
The specific activity matters less than the intentional, undivided attention you give them.
A Lasting Legacy
This simple, powerful gift will stay with you and with them for a lifetime. Long after the toys are forgotten, they will hold onto the memories of the time you spent together. These are the moments that shape their sense of security, love, and self-worth.
When your children eventually have families of their own, this will be the profound legacy they pass on. The knowledge that nothing is more valuable than intentional time together. It will mean more to them than any material possession ever could.
So, amidst the hustle and bustle of this busy holiday season, make the decision to slow down and give the most important gift of all: YOUR TIME
Happy Holidays!
