Honoring Different Ways We Celebrate the Holidays & Creative Ways to Give Gifts

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and traditions. But not every family celebrates the same way—and that’s something worth honoring. Children grow up in a world filled with many cultures, religions, and practices, and the holidays are a great chance to teach them about respect, kindness, and creativity. 

This article will help you talk with your child about different holiday traditions and give you fun, low-stress ideas for gift-giving. 

Children often assume that everyone celebrates the way their family does. They may think everyone has a tree, lights candles, exchanges gifts, or eats certain foods. As parents and caregivers, we can help them learn that holidays look different for every family. 

Here are some examples of ways families might celebrate: 

• Christmas, with lights, music, and gift exchanges 
  

• Hanukkah, with candles, games, and special foods 
  

• Kwanzaa, with stories, creativity, and community events 
  

• Las Posadas, with songs and neighborhood gatherings 
  

• Winter Solstice, with nature walks, candles, and reflection 
  

• No holiday celebration at all, which is also perfectly valid 
  

Some families travel. Some gather with extended relatives. Others prefer quiet time at home. Some celebrate with food, while others celebrate with prayer, volunteering, or rest. 

Helping children understand these differences builds empathy and respect. 

How to Talk to Kids About Different Traditions 

You don’t need to be an expert on every holiday. What matters most is curiosity and openness. Here are simple ways to start conversations: 

• Ask your child what they’ve noticed at school. 
  “What holidays do your classmates talk about? What did you learn?” 
  

• Share your family’s traditions and explain why they matter. 
  Children enjoy hearing the meaning behind their own celebrations. 
  

• Explore together.  Look up a holiday your child has questions about. Read a book or watch a short, kid-friendly video. 
  

• Use inclusive language. 
  Try saying, “Some families celebrate…” instead of “Everyone celebrates…” 

This helps children understand that differences are normal, not strange. Celebrating diversity teaches children to:: 

• Respect people from different backgrounds

• Welcome classmates who celebrate differently 

• Feel proud of their own traditions 

• Build a sense of belonging for all kids 

When parents model acceptance, children learn to do the same. 

Rethinking Gifts During the Holidays 

Holidays often come with pressure—pressure to buy many gifts, pressure to spend money, and pressure to “keep up” with what other families do. But gifts don’t have to be expensive or store-bought to be meaningful. 

Children also benefit from learning that giving is not just about things—it’s about kindness, effort, and connection. 

Below are creative ways to rethink gift-giving with your child: 

1. Make “Experiences” the Gift

Instead of objects, you and your child can give experiences such as: 

• A movie night at home 

• A homemade “coupon book” (free chore help, cooking together, game night) 

• A walk in nature or a trip to the library 

• Baking a favorite dessert for someone 

Experiences create memories that last longer than toys. 

2. Homemade Crafts

Kids love making things. Some simple ideas include: 

• Hand-drawn cards 

• Painted ornaments 

• Friendship bracelets 

• Bookmarks 

• Decorated picture frames 

• A small scrapbook of photos 

These gifts feel personal and thoughtful to a recipient. 

3. Acts of Kindness

Encourage your child to give kindness as a gift. Ideas include: 

• Writing a thank-you note 

• Helping a sibling clean their room 

• Calling a grandparent or family member 

• Donating toys or clothes they no longer use 

• Making a card for a teacher or neighbor 

Acts of kindness teach generosity without buying anything. 

4. “Family Gift” Ideas

Sometimes one shared gift works better than many small ones: 

• A board game everyone can play 

• A puzzle 

• A family craft kit 

• A cozy blanket for movie nights 

• A new recipe to cook together 

These gifts bring everyone closer. 

5. Cultural or Story-Based Gifts

Families can celebrate their own history or explore others: 

• A book about your culture’s traditions 

• A recipe passed down through the family 

• A story from another culture 

• Music from a tradition your child is curious about 

These gifts help children understand the world around them. 

Teaching Kids Thoughtful Giving 

Gift-giving is a great chance to teach important life skills: 

• Planning (“Who do you want to make gifts for?”) 

• Empathy (“What would make them feel happy or appreciated?”) 

• Creativity (“What can we make or do that feels special?”) 

• Budgeting (“Let’s choose an amount we’re comfortable spending.” 

The holidays are a wonderful time to slow down and connect with your child. By honoring the many ways families celebrate and by focusing on creative, meaningful gifts, you help your child build respect, kindness, and gratitude. 

No matter what your family traditions look like—or if you don’t celebrate at all—you can create a season filled with warmth, understanding, and creativity. 

For more information on parenting topics and to get in touch with a qualified professional for parenting support, please visit forwardleadingfamilies.org.