“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin
Apparently it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for many of us, the reality is that this is the running-round-like-a-headless-chook time of the year. The final sprint before the end. There are presents to buy, presents to wrap, hams to glaze, cookies to bake, houses to prep before the parties.
During such a busy time of the year, it’s easy to leave our kids behind. It’s probably the hardest time of year to get therapy homework done.
Benjamin Franklin’s words remind us of the crux of learning – involvement.
So my challenge at this busy time of year is: how can you involve your family in the Christmas preparations? You may forfeit a little in the way of speed and quality, but you’re investing in something much bigger.
The world tells us that Christmas is about stuff, and it’s so easy to buy into this (pun intended). Call me a cynic, but I feel that my kids’ “childlike Christmas joy” is really a cover for consumerist greed. It’s all about getting presents.
Yet, at the heart of Christmas is God coming near to us in the person of Jesus. Likewise, let’s come near to each other this Christmas and not become lost from each other in the activities and all the stuff. Every task done together with our family members is an opportunity to learn and to love.
Time to switch off the computer and give some time to my now-awake kids. My aim for today is to make some gingerbread men and wrap presents together.
Merry Christmas and may you find true joy this Christmas.
