This holiday season, I am prioritizing the gift of my presence for my children. As the festive time approaches, I find myself reflecting on my past approach to parenting, which revolved heavily around material gifts. In my previous career, where I earned a substantial income, I often compensated for my absence by purchasing my children’s happiness. Weekend visits to stores became routine, where I would fill carts with toys and experiences, attempting to make up for the time I couldn’t give them.
However, life took unexpected turns—a move to a different country, a divorce, my health struggles, and a failed business—leaving me in a situation where I could no longer rely on material gifts to create joy. Last Christmas, I exhausted my savings on presents, but it became clear that those distractions could not shield them from our new reality. We were left to start anew, with limited resources and a need to redefine what happiness meant for us.
In an environment marked by economic hardship, I observed other families finding joy in simple moments: mothers braiding their daughters’ hair, children playing catch, and shared meals of soup and bread. This beauty seemed far removed from my own life until I realized that, at the end of the day, our most valuable possession is ourselves.
One day at the beach, I decided to engage fully with my children. Their delighted reactions reminded me that my presence was the greatest gift I could offer. Since then, we’ve embraced our creativity, decorating our home with art and treating mealtimes as precious moments for connection. We talk more, share experiences, and even when my kids express disappointment over not receiving a toy, they quickly shift to conversations about other interests.
This year, I explained to my children that Santa would be focusing on helping those in greater need, and they responded with kindness by wanting to create something for children affected by war. This shift in perspective has made our Christmas about togetherness rather than materialism. We are looking forward to a cozy time filled with music, creativity, cooking, and laughter—fewer presents and more presence.
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Conclusion
In summary, this holiday season serves as a reminder that the most meaningful gifts often come from our time and attention, rather than material possessions. Embracing this new perspective has allowed my children and me to cultivate joy and connection, making our experience richer during these challenging times.