by Nicole Loughan

‘Tis the season for thankfulness, reflection, generosity, holiness, and of course gifts. Seriously, more gifts that we can handle. We have a toy room overflowing and bookshelves filled to the edges. We aren’t the only ones with a little too much bountifulness. When I go to playdates we see the same thing everywhere. For many of us, our kids have everything and they have relatives that give them extra everything with cherries on top.

Last year a mom was shamed on social media for showing pictures of her tree filled to the ceiling with literally thousands of toys. Not that I agree with shaming, but I want to make sure we don’t overdo it. I don't want my kids to have so much that they don’t have any concept of want or humility.

I really like the idea of a simple Christmas and have been looking for ways to keep Christmas a little more simple this year. I love the Christmas Rhyme Idea I've heard from other from other parents. It goes, “Buy your children something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.” I think it's a great starting point. Read on for a few other simple ideas that could be perfect for the season.

Something more meaningful – In the era of mass produced presents giving something unique can make a lasting impression. Try getting gifts at local stores, with locally produced items or crafts. This year I took my daughter to the Lydia’s Guild Craft Show at the Aldie Mansion and we had a great time looking at handcrafted goods such as felt keychains, handmade hair bows, knitted hats and gloves, and many different chocolates.

Something to do – I much prefer experiences to stuff. This year we are going on a Polar Express style train ride for my train loving tot. We also looked for end of the year Groupon membership packages to places like local zoos and museums.

Something for the future – This is so hard for kids to understand now, but we parents know it will mean so much in the future. The gift of a savings bond or a contribution to the 529 college education plan will mean so much more in the future than another doll. Savings bonds are available directly through the U.S. Treasury website at http://www.treasurydirect.gov/.

Something to remember – I have a cell phone filled with a year worth of pictures. It’s one thing to flip through the photos of the last year on the computer or I-Pad, but I miss the feel of a real picture. Whenever I go back to my mom’s house my siblings and I go through our old photo albums, hidden at the top of my mom's linen closet. Those albums hold pictures from when our faces were smeared with cake, or of us crying over bad Christmas presents. I just don’t think it will be the same if all our kids get to do is go through old phone hard drives.

I want to give my kids the gift of heartwarming childhood photos. Ordering picture books is a breeze through companies like shutterstock.com. Even local drugstores and department stores have photo products.

Something to give – Local food pantries need food during this season and our Central Bucks Family YMCA put up a tree decorated with ornaments that represent a local family in need. Knowing that our shelves are stocked and our toy chest is full I want to share the bounty with others in need. To find opportunities to volunteer or organizations in need in Bucks County visit Bucks County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

Living with Littles is presented by The Dance Academy. Since 1987, The Dance Academy in Holland, PA has been offering professional dance training with a personal touch, instilling the love of dance to students and families throughout Bucks County. Under the direction of Miss Donnajean Kline (BFA in Dance, Temple University) and staffed by a group of highly-trained instructors, The Dance Academy has acquired countless awards and accolades each year at local, national, and international competitions. Through recitals, competitions, advertising publications, professional companies, and tours; Dance Academy students are spreading their passion for dance both here in the States as well as on international stages. It’s not too late to register for their 30th Anniversary Season!

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