Your Gift Of 'Presence' This Christmas

“If we can give them the eye contact, give ‘em hugs, get ‘em on your lap, spend time with them – that communicates to a child, ‘Oh my goodness, my parent loves me,’ and particularly at Christmas, that’s an important gift to give.”

USA (ATR News) -- Christmas is right around the corner, and people all over the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As we work our way through the busy holiday season, it’s easy to lose focus on the deeper meanings of Christmas.

Arlene Pellicane, speaker and author of 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, says parents can give their children the unique gift of presence, “Christmas is such a wonderful opportunity to say how we can make this not just about us and our presents under the tree, but how we can serve others.” Pellicane explains how important it is to be in the present with your kids, “If we can give them the eye contact, give ‘em hugs, get ‘em on your lap, spend time with them – that communicates to a child, ‘Oh my goodness, my parent loves me,’ and particularly at Christmas, that’s an important gift to give.”

But with decorating, gift lists, shopping stress, parties, meal planning and prep, it’s easy to stay in get-‘er-done mode. Pellicane challenges us to remain present with our children, “During meal times you’re in ‘airplane mode.’ During all these Christmas celebrations, when you’re watching as Christmas movie together you’re there, you’re sitting right next to them, and you’re not just checking your sport scores the whole time or scrolling through your Facebook page, but you giving them your presence.”

Source: ATR NEWS STAFF