Have you ever noticed how people smile a bit brighter, laugh a bit louder and share a bit more during the holiday season? Why does this good cheer have to end when the New Year rolls around? We don’t think that it has to! If the holidays your favorite time of year, why not incorporate them into your everyday life? Here are five ways that you can keep the holiday spirit around you and have a merry little summer with the kids:
1.Send a Card
Do you only send cards for birthdays and holidays? If so, it’s time to get writing! Sit down with the kids and make cards for aunts, uncles and grandparents. Give your kids paper, crayons, glitter and glue, and let them busily create their own masterpieces. If your kids haven’t mastered the art of handwriting yet, help them write a cheerful message on the inside of their cards.
2.Gratuities
Do you tip the mailman, the paper carrier or your stylist a little bit extra during the holidays? Why wait for the holidays to roll around before you show your appreciation again. Think of all of the people that help your kids on a daily basis: their teacher, the classroom aide and even the bus driver. Let your children pick out a small gift for each of these people. You don’t have to get extravagant; a $5 gift card will do. Showing people that you are thankful is a great lesson to impart on your children no matter what time of year it is.
3.Donate
Whether you choose to donate money or your time is up to you, but donations shouldn’t be restricted to one week a year. Call the local animal shelter and see if they need dog walkers. Talk to someone at the food bank and see if you can help stock shelves on the weekend. No matter what you decide to do, it’s time to give back! Turn donating your time into a family affair and take the kids along. Volunteering your time is a great way to show the kiddos how important it is to give back to the community.
4.Craft
Do you get particularly crafty during the holidays? Are you well-known for your hand-made gifts? Sit down with your kids on a rainy summer day and make something together! Keep a box or tote full of craft supplies so you can pull it out whenever the mood strikes. Take the opportunity to teach your kids how to sew, crochet or even scrapbook. The time you spend together will certainly put you in the holiday spirit!
5.Sing
Christmas songs are one of the most revered traditions of the holiday season. You don’t have to burst out with your favorite rendition of “Jingle Bells” if it makes you feel silly. Download some of your children’s favorite songs onto your iPod and have a sing-along the next time you’re driving to the mall. Alternatively, if you are a family that carols together during the holiday season, join the church choir this summer or have a family song night once a month.
You don’t have to lose the holiday spirit just because the season has ended. The holidays are all about giving and sharing, and those are two very easy traditions that you can carry with you throughout the entire year!
Brenda Little is a freelance writer and blogger living in San Francisco. She writes for www.santasquarters .com where you can find Santa’s Quarters Christmas trees for sale.
