A Montessori Approach to the Holidays
Determine what your family traditions will be, so your child can understand what to expect each year. The timing of holiday books, songs, clothing. There is an excitement and energetic feel to this time of year, so make it clear to your child that “we put decorations out for the month of December,” or whatever your timeline may be. Do what feels meaningful and celebratory for your family.
How to approach the belief in Santa: For young children, everything they see and experience is real to their developing minds. Children under the age of 6 have trouble distinguishing the difference between fantasy and reality, so Montessorians believe it is better to focus on real-life stories and play. When presented, the idea of Santa is REAL. But, if Santa has been a part of your cultural upbringing and experience as a child, then your family should do what feels comfortable to them. You can continue your traditions and re-live some of those fond memories with your child through classic stories, listening to holiday music, and embracing Santa as part of what your family does and believes. If visiting a Santa somewhere in your neighborhood, it may feel more comfortable to your child to stand and wave or watch from afar.
Gifting: Your child does not need a lot! If you are aware that grandparents or family will be gifting your child, know that you can do less. Involve your child in gift wrapping for others, so they begin to get excited about the process of gifting as much as receiving. Even if they are wrapping a bracelet they made, or picture they drew, allow them their own tape (cut into small pieces) and wrapping paper to try on their own. Check out our past gift guides here and with Maisonette here.
Practice with your child “how to receive a present.” Act it out together, so your child will understand the graciousness of what it will look like and how they can properly respond when someone gives a present. Take turns pretending to give a gift, and model for your child saying “thank you!” Let them know that even if they are surprised, or not interested in the gift, it is still important to politely say thank you.
Give your child a purposeful job to channel some of that excitement. Cook together in the kitchen, set the table for the holiday meal, gather all of the wrapping paper and trash to take out.
Introduce gratitude. Appreciate out loud, modeling for your child how grateful and thankful you may be for all blessings in life.
“We are so lucky to have this amazing meal to eat.”
“I feel so thankful that our family is visiting us and we can all celebrate together.
“How lucky we are to have been given this book that we will enjoy for a long time!”
A few things we are shopping:
A Snowy Day A children’s classic, representing diverse illustrations and a sweet story.
Flower Building Children will build, stack and progress their hand-eye coordination. They can also learn the vocabulary and parts of the flower/plant.
Layered Puzzle Each layer increases with challenge, the numbers on the back teach consecutive counting. Children LOVE to repeat this one!
Tegu Magnetic Blocks Build, stack, explore the science of magnetic objects.
Kids tote bag or here that your child can carry himself, when traveling to extracurricular activities, or packing themselves for a vacation or car ride.
I Can Draw Books When your child is beginning to draw and striving to create people, animals. These books teach step-by-step figures at an approachable level.
Lego Bracelets Entertainment for long periods of concentration. Development of the pincer grip, and fine motor skill.
In the mood for more shopping? Check out our Montessori-Inspired Gift Guide with Maisonette!