We want to make the holiday season special and memorable for our family. But oftentimes, this idea of a magical holiday season creates a culture of overindulgence, leaving us and our children exhausted and unsatisfied.

Overindulgence happens when we have too much of something - too many toys, clothes, activities, etc. When we overindulge our children, they may start to feel a sense of entitlement and a lack of appreciation or respect for the things they have.

If you're straining the family resources, that too is overindulgence.

Avoid overindulgence and make the holidays more meaningful with these tips:

• Focus on the long-term values you want to instill in your children like service, compassion and generosity.
• Have your children help prepare for the holidays by making cookies, decorating the house and tidying up before company arrives.
• Spend time together without technology. Go for a walk, check out the holiday lights in the neighborhood or play a board game together.
• Encourage your child to choose a toy they have outgrown to donate to a child in need.
• Get a group together and send cards to nursing home residents or find a time to visit and sing carols.
• Write letters of appreciation to friends and family members to let them know you care.
• As a family, write cards or notes of appreciation to those serving in the military.
• Invite someone who is spending the holiday alone to join your family, such as a military member, elderly neighbor or church friend.
• Do random acts of kindness for family members or neighbors, such as shoveling a driveway, raking leaves, bringing in trash bins or leaving a kind note in a lunchbox or under a pillow.
• After the holidays, write thank you notes for gifts received.

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About Michele Tryon, CCLS

Michele Tryon, CHKD community outreach coordinator and parent educator has worked with children and families for 30 years, providing services in the hospital, home, school and community setting. Michele is a Certified Child Life Specialist, a Certified Positive Discipline™ parent educator, a nationally recognized trainer/consultant for Nurturing Parenting Programs™ and co-author of The Nurturing Program for Parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges©.