HEALTHY TOGETHER Gifts that Keep on Giving


By AMANDA TURNER Christmas comes but once a year, how-


everthe values and lessons learned through the season can last a lifetime. Ideally, our children learn the art of giving and receiv- ing, they remember family traditions, and they feel the spirit and magic of the season. But, with the coolest new toys and the lat- est techno-gadgets on every shelf and our children (and some adults) with wish lists as long as their arms, it can be difficult not to “buy in” to the materialism of Christmas, literally.


One thing you can do is to talk about what the holiday season really means to you and your family. Ask yourself about the holiday traditions that you remember as a child. Where did you celebrate the holidays? With whom? What were the smells and tastes of the season? Try to recall the gifts you re- ceived – how many do you remember? Why do you remember those gifts? Ask oth- ers the same questions and learn about other traditions and values people have around the holidays. Additionally, consider whether your gift- giving reflects your feelings, traditions, ex- periences, andvalues of the holidays. Are your children involved in both gift-giving and receiving? What do people really want? What do people really need? Here are some ideas of gifts that will keep


on giving: For hard-to-buy-for family members or


grandparents help your children create one- of-a-kind art with paintedhandprints and family pictures. For children who have everything,write a


story about them; it could be the day they were born or a special day together and in- clude how much they mean to you. The gift of a traditional food dish and a note that describes why this dish is special to you can be a unique way of passing on traditions. Give an experience to someone, like a couple games of bowling, a snowcoaster pass at a local ski hill, an art class, a recre- ation punch pass, a movie ticket or a spa treatment. Consider buying for those in our commu- nity and around the world who have needs


Haircuts at a very comfortable price.


that aren’t being met.You can make a big difference by sponsoring a Christmas ham- per for another local family, or supportinga child on the other side of the world with a gift from an organization like World Vision. Donate blood this season in honourof someone and send them a note that ex- plains what a donation of blood can mean to an individual. Consider the environmental impact of your purchases this season. Consuming less and consuming smarter can make a differ- ence to the planet. Choose products that require less energy to make, that last a long time, and that can be completely recycled and reused rather than thrown away. Support local growers, vendors, and fam- ilies by purchasing food and gift items at your local Farmer’s Market or Christmas craft fairs.


Adopt an at-risk specie through the World Wildlife Federation to make a difference in the lives of animals around the world. Plus your gift recipient gets a fun and educa- tional adoption kit with an adoption certifi- cate and a plush animal. Speak to your tax advisor about ways a gift or donation can fi- nancially benefit you at tax time. Amanda T


children project co-ordinator with The Bridge Y


urner is healthy weights for outh and Family Services


and gift-giver for one husband and two young boys


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