What Kids Really Want for Christmas

As we are bombarded by sales, decorations, advertisements, packages, and wish lists this time of year, it can be difficult to stay focused on what really matters.

The best holiday gifts for children—the gifts kids really want for Christmas—require no wrapping paper, ribbons, or money. But they do require a substantial investment.

You.

What Kids Really Want for Christmas

Shared below are 5 incredible holiday gifts that will strengthen family relationships, increase happiness, and improve everyone’s health and well-being.

The Gift of Conversation

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and media, making daily effort to converse with your child is ever more important.

Children who engage in meaningful conversation with their parents enjoy higher self-esteem, are more confident in social situations, and are less likely to experiment with risky behavior later in life.

The Gift of Play

How long has it been since you became a swashbuckling pirate lost at sea, or a cowboy galloping through the yard on your trusty steed? When was the last time you found yourself completely lost in imaginative play with your child?

For many parents, play is hard. It requires time, effort, and letting down their guard. But play can be as simple as engaging in a board game, creating with Legos, or enjoying a round of hide and seek outside.

The Gift of Time

Play and conversation require time, something many parents don’t have a lot of these days. With laundry to fold, errands to run, and careers to grow, time to simply be present is difficult to find.

But the thing about time is that one doesn’t simply find it; it has to be made.

The Gift of Nature

Children are born with the innate need to engage with nature. Without the opportunity to get outside, many children experience depression, weight gain, and increased stress.

More importantly, they miss out on opportunities that often reward them with empathy, creativity, and improved physical and mental health.

The Gift of Attention

Children need quality, daily attention. If they don’t receive it from their caregivers, they may seek it from other sources or demand it (often, in negative ways). Choose to give children the attention they desperately want, need, and deserve.

Look into their eyes. Drink their imaginary tea. Hold their hand. Notice them. Ask them questions and really listen.

Give your children the gift of your presence this holiday season. It’s what they really want, it’s the only present they will never outgrow, and it’s absolutely free.

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