Okay, let’s face it. Most children get too much stuff these days when Santa arrives. Too strong, you think?

Perhaps, but we can know one thing for sure:

Just notice for yourself. Most of us didn’t have a 1/10th of the number of toys, gadgets, and goodies that our children had. We certainly didn’t have 1/10th of the number of entertainment options.

And yet, if there were any data to argue that kids having more and more stuff made them happier and happier, I would be the first to jump up and down and point to it. But it doesn’t exist for kids, and it doesn’t exist for adults. The more we accumulate stuff, toys, and entertainment, the less we tend to value it.

So, nothing is wrong with more and better. It’s just important that we accumulate the ‘more and better’ in a manner that promotes an ongoing appreciation of our good fortune. So, as the holiday season approaches, consider how to nurture values you care about, particularly the beautiful value of appreciation.

Here are a few simple ideas to help you keep your feet on the ground and teach values that will serve happiness and satisfaction.

As the holiday season rolls around, setting limits on your children’s expectations is helpful. More and more, I see parents trying to fulfill a list with 15 items of what their kids want for Christmas. Out of fear of disappointment or a desire to please, they search to find........

© The Saratogian