As parents, we often spend much of our time planning what presents to buy our children, particularly as Christmas approaches. Another video game? Another DVD? Music lessons? Dance lessons? The newest fad watch? The list can be endless. For this holiday season, stop and think about the fact that your children would much rather have time with you than with a gift.
Consider instead planning an activity that will become a family tradition. Your children will have life long memories of all the fun they had with the family rather than the gift. Such family traditions can include having the entire extended family over for a meal; or volunteering time together to help the less fortunate; or attending church together.
What about planning a family trip together? You can select a different location each year. One Christmas, my sisters and I planned a family trip to a popular theme park. We rented a large home and our parents and all our siblings and their spouses and children came. We had such a wonderful time and made enduring memories.
Also be sure to include some relaxed time. What about simply going outside and looking at the stars? Or trying a new recipe for a special desert? Or playing fun games with them? When was the last time that you were the horse and they rode on your back?
Spending time with your children requires planning. But, these plans will be the most important and life changing plans you can make.