Guidelines for the 2017 Holiday Season

With the holidays fast approaching, keep it simple by following these guidelines.  I like to think of it as a balanced approach of managing the holiday season.  Each of these guidelines are ⅕ of what should make your Holidays G.R.E.A.T.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS G.R.E.A.T. G = Give

G = GIVE

Your mind may be bombarded by the lingering question, “What should I get for ____________.  Fill in the blank with any name and every name and it already seems overwhelming.  Do not feel like you have to get every single person that you know some kind of gift.  Keep it simple. Set a total budget and get creative.  Instead of trying to buy each person something, give family gifts like bottles of wine (Wine gifts & party picks) or gift certificates (AMAZON GIFT CARDS). You can mail them, e-gift them or print them at home.  Or better yet, just send a card (CHRISTMAS CARDS).  Get the kids involved in the process of giving.  Let them add their names to the card, draw a picture or write a message.  Remember, it’s the act of giving that really matters.

How about what to get for the kids? Think 5’s again; Get them: 1. something they NEED 2. something they really WANT 3. something to WEAR (See below for options)  4. somethings to PLAY See our picks (TOYS LIST FROM BIRTH TO NINE) or Check out (Amazon’s Toy Lists) 5. something to EXPERIENCE (See “E”) + a few stocker stuffers, think < $10. See below.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS G.R.E.A.T. R= RECEIVE

R = RECIEVE

Receiving does not mean to expect to get something from someone, but simply to receive something that you do get with sincere or genuine appreciation.  Teach your child to appreciate the little things by modeling this for them.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS G.R.E.A.T. E = EXPERIENCE

E = EXPERIENCE

Giving an experience of something is priceless, a stored memory that a child will have forever.  Give them tickets to a game, the zoo, the movie theater, a play or performance.  https://kauaiwithkeiki.com/things-to-do/ Sign them up for a dance class or art class.  Take them on a trip somewhere. Even if you just book the closest hotel (with a pool), they will be overjoyed. https://kauaiwithkeiki.com/hotels-we-love/

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS G.R.E.A.T. A = ACT

A = ACTS OF KINDNESS

The holiday season is a time to give back to your community and take action. Get involved with a local organization, support community events around your local area, and do something for someone else.  Perform ACTS of kindness.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS G.R.E.A.T. T= TIME

T = TIME

Spend time with your loved ones.  There is nothing more that children want, but time with you. Read books (SHOP BOOKS BY AGE CATEGORY ON AMAZON), play games (BOARD GAMES), bake cookies.  Give each other the precious time that is sometimes taken for granted.  Try these for older kids http://shopstyle.it/l/mr0N OR  http://shopstyle.it/l/mrZj Remember Time is Love.  Stay home, drink coffee, and do your shopping online. Time is Love Coffee Mug.

BOOKS BY AGE


BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS


WINE GIFTS & PARTY PICKS


AMAZON GIFT CARDS


CHRSITMAS CARDS


TOYS & GAMES

Gift Ideas for Babies

Gift Ideas for Girls

Gift Ideas for Boys

Ask the L.O.C.A.L.’s

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