If you drive by stores or malls in any major metropolis, you would forget that we’re trying to recover from our worst recession in decades. You would forget that unemployment is high and that the “fiscal cliff” is looming. Why? The parking lots are overloaded with cars and “happy” shoppers. They’re happy now, but will they be in January when the bills are due?
Most parents want to create memorable holidays for their children. There’s nothing wrong with that, but know that quality time with you and other family members is most important. When you think back to your childhood, ask yourself what you remember most. Was it a particular toy or the great times shared with your cousins, grandparents, siblings and parents?
My guess is that you don’t remember the majority of Christmas gifts that you received. You remember tradition and family more than anything. Don’t feel like you’re depriving your children of a great holiday if you don’t pack the tree with too many gifts to count. You run the risk of teaching them that true joy and love only come from material gifts. I’m not trying to talk you out of giving gifts, but keep it simple and shift focus to what’s truly important.
Children learn what they live and it’s up to us to teach them. You and your family can enjoy your best holiday season by simply focusing on your spiritual gifts and appreciating what you have, not what you don’t have. Take this time to also enjoy family and friends. And regardless of your particular faith, everyone throughout the African diaspora should be celebrating Kwanzaa.
Forget what you’ve heard if you were told that celebrating Kwanzaa conflicts with Christianity or any other religion. The principles of Kwanzaa focus on things that uplift your faith, the strength of your relationships and our community as a whole (see below).
So to have a great holiday season:
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- Make meaningful gifts for your loved ones (yes…make)
- If you purchase gifts, support Black businesses and suppliers in the process
- Don’t spend more than you have to spare
- Take advantage of opportunities for you and your family to share with those who are less fortunate than you
- Kick back, relax, and enjoy each other
- If this is a tough time due to the loss of loved ones, take time to reminisce and appreciate the times you had with them. Celebrate their memory by doing something in their honor or that they loved to do.
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