Quote Originally Posted by Peacefulbird View Post
Hi. What a great ideas. Wonderful organizing. In my case sad to say. I'm very selfish with my time. I used to do celebrations etc. But it started to become stressful, my family felt obligated. So, after reading few self-development books I've got it. I had to be honest with my self my expectations and my family. When I asked them if they felt okay with it, they said not! they did it just to keep me happy (so, I realized I was using them on my own benefit). When I asked them what they wanted to do for holidays, they replied that most of the year I'm always busy (shopping and cooking wekends, going to workshops evenings and some weekends, also programing for the daycare activities etc) they admitted they.do love me but, they want to see more of my time shared with them (just family). So, I stopped. Now we have no more stress and I can actually enjoy my free days in reflection and giving more of my time to my family (cooking something especial together, visiting a new restaurant, helping my children to find especial gifts for their friends etc) and most of all mom is at home to share her time with them.

I felt sad that even my husband had the.same feelings. But, I had to let them know that my work is a path in my life that I've chosen and I love it but, my family had not done that choice so, now obviously I do not book their time in my daycare activities. If I do something will be just me or the children's parents too.

All my families.in care also know if I really really need help my family will get involved right away. (They've got my back)

In regards of Santa Claus, I've also believed on him until I was seven years old. And that explained on how every year I will expect for great gifts to come but it never did and yet cousins and neighbours disregards their awful behaviors will get many many gifts. I kind of asked with Santa didn't love me. I think I would have under stood better if I was told the truth then.

Anyway, taking some.courses and as a Montessori follower, please take the advise if needed; it is nice to give the message of "love and peace" during these holidays. Our function as educators is to be sensitive to every family needs and believes, we love children and respect all their backgrounds. It is also good to show children that not everyone celebrates Christmas and it is okay. We need to teach children to be sensitive with other's believes too. Children love when we explain other's believes such Hanukkah, Chinese new year etc. We live in a such wonderful country that everyone is free to express their believes and be respected.
I remember reading an article in the news a few years back written by a mom. She merely asked that all parents give their children 1-2 gifts from santa and make the rest from them. This way santa is equal to all, yes some children will still receive an excess of gifts at Christmas but they won't receive it with the pretense that santa gives lots to some and none to others. It was a very well written article and we keep it in mind while distributing gifts each year.