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A Time to Be Thankful

Cultivating Gratitude in Children During the Holidays

By Melissa Granberry

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Material Girls ... And Boys
Are you tired of hearing about all of the newest dolls, toys and electronics your children want this holiday season? According to the UC-Davis study on gratitude, being thankful can help curb your child's quest for these material items.

The study shows that grateful individuals place less importance on material goods, are less envious of others and are more likely to share their possessions. Will showing gratitude help your 2-year-old son share his new Elmo toy at playgroup? Maybe not, but incorporating thankfulness into his daily life will help him in his future tasks.

It's hard to avoid the barrage of commercials and mail catalogs that are being thrown at you this time of year. DeBroff suggests keeping the television off during the holiday season. "Don't let commercialism overpower the spiritual elements of the holidays," says DeBroff. Instead, take time from your busy holiday schedule to discuss the deeper meaning of the days you celebrate.

Though the holidays can be a stressful time – shopping, wrapping, baking, entertaining – it is important to step back and take a minute to remember what it is you are celebrating. Gather your family on the couch for aholiday story or a few minutes of conversation. Just being near the ones you love will remind you of all you have to be grateful for, especially during the holiday season. Says Kaufman, "Gratitude felt is a sweet experience, but gratitude expressed changes the world."


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