Helpful Hints

Heartfelt Holidays


The holidays are just around the corner.  From dinner planning to family gatherings, the festive season is a hectic one.  While your schedule may be filled with many lists, this special time of the year provides a wonderful opportunity to promote character education at home.


To help bring out the true spirit of the holidays, the Rainbow District School Board has created Heartfelt Holidays – five heart-warming activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Tip #1 – Cards Open the Heart
While many see holiday card writing as an annual chore, try to think of it as an opportunity to bond with your child.  Not only will you be teaching your child an important lesson in literacy, you will also be modeling important character traits by showing that you care for others and are willing to make time to bring them special greetings.

Tip #2 – From Family to Family
Whether you’re sponsoring a family from a developing country or simply sending a holiday greeting to a neighbour, this is the time of the year for kindness, compassion and generosity.  By taking part in such heart-filling activities, your child will be making a positive contribution to the community and to the world in which we live.  Developing good citizens is what character education is all about.

Tip #3 – Give the Gift of Giving
If you’re still searching for that ‘perfect’ gift, look no further than in your own community.  Your child can play an active role in the community by helping local organizations through canned food drives, adopt-a-family programs, visits to nursing homes etc.  By participating in the community, children learn to value their home life while helping others.

Tip #4 – Going Outside of the Box
The next time your child asks for a holiday gift idea, why not suggest that he/she make, rather than buy, a gift that is literally ‘outside of the box’.  Personalized mixed CDs, photo collages and artistic paintings come from the heart and last a lifetime.

Tip #5 – In Good Spirits
With all of the hustle and bustle, the holidays can be stressful.  When it comes to the festivities, parents should always try their best to be joyful, especially in the company of children.  Children are guided by their parents’ attitudes and actions.  The more cheerful you are, the more comfortable and happy your child will be during the holiday season.

HOW TO MAKE A…

Snow Globe

This simple and easy-to-do gift idea is sure to bring joy to anyone. Encourage your child to give a snow globe to someone special.

Ingredients:
  • Baby food jar
  • Small plastic toys and/or figurines
  • Silver and/or white glitter and/or small beads
  • Super glue
  • Corn syrup or mineral oil

Instructions:
  1. Glue the plastic figurines (and any other water-proof objects) to the inside of the jar lid.  Wait for the glue to dry.
  2. Fill the jar almost to the top (leave a space) with corn syrup or mineral oil.  Then add the glitter and/or beads.
  3. Put the lid on the jar and glue it around the edges to make sure it's sealed.  Then, let it sit until it's dry.
  4. Flip it over, and shake to see the blizzard!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Family photo album
  • Coupon promises
  • Personal poems
  • Favourite drawings