Find More Joy, Less Excess
December often kicks off a flurry of activities with kids, bringing with it an abundance of everything – more food, more gifts, and more obligations. While this season is full of joy, it can also feel overwhelming. Let’s trade the holiday hustle for moments of connection, generosity, and meaning.This month, we invite you to explore how we can mindfully navigate the excess. We can shift our focus from consumption to connection and generosity, making room for more meaningful experiences with our families and communities.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Counter the season of getting by giving. Here are several simple ways your family can make a difference this month.
Comfort a Shelter Animal.
Animal shelters are often full, especially during the busy holiday season. Create simple, no-sew fleece blankets or toys to provide comfort and warmth for animals waiting for their forever homes.
Spread Cheer with Caring Cards.
A simple, heartfelt card can brighten someone's day. Decorate and write thoughtful messages for residents in nursing homes, deployed soldiers, or hospitalized children who may be feeling lonely during the holidays.
Pack a Kindness Kit.
Assemble care packages with essentials like toiletries, snacks, and water bottles to give to people experiencing homelessness. This is a practical way to offer immediate help when you see a need in your community.
Support a Food Shelf.
With holiday meals being a central part of the season, food shelves face increased demand. Organize a food drive in your neighborhood or simply make a family trip to the grocery store to pick out nutritious, non-perishable items to donate.
Volunteer.
Volunteering not only helps people in need, but is also a wonderful way to bond with your kids and instill in them the importance of helping others. This holiday season, make a commitment to volunteer with your family and model the significance of giving back. You might even discover that it's a lot of fun! Subscribe to our monthly volunteer opportunities here.
CONVERSATIONS
Start a meaningful dialogue with your family about abundance and gift giving.
What does it mean to have "enough"?
When you think of the holidays, what non-material things are you most excited about?
How does it feel to give something away versus getting something new?
If we had one less gift this year, what could we do for someone else with that money?
What's one thing we have in our house right now that we don't use and could give to someone who needs it?
Besides presents, what are other ways we can show people we love them?
How can our family create less waste this holiday season?
What experience could we share together that would be more fun than a physical gift?
READ
Reading together can open up new perspectives on mindfulness, gratitude, generosity, and what it means to have a rich life. Explore stories that inspire a spirit of giving and contentment.
Additionally, check out our Winter Holidays book list this season for some seasonal inspiration.
INSPIRATION
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
—Winston Churchill