Less Stuff, More Meaning: How to Create Holiday Traditions Your Family Will Love—038

December 18th, 2017 · 1 hr 14 mins

About this Episode

In this special episode, we chat with several guests who share insights about how they create family traditions that are in alignment with their beliefs and personal values and how they navigate through the trappings of cultural norms at this time of year.  We wanted to get their perspectives on how they focus on simplicity and intention instead of materialism  A common thread of all three of our conversations is that making the holidays your own is not just a one-time conversation with your kids or your partner. It is about sowing seeds and knowing every year is going to look a little different and every year is going to grow and change and develop, much like a family does.  That's a beautiful thing!

Rachel Jonat is an expert of minimal living and slowing down to take time for herself, her husband, and three children. She sets small goals for herself during the holidays and carefully considers the intention behind each gift given. Rachel is the author of three books. Her current book, The Joy of Doing Nothing, includes tips for people with busy lives on how to reset and restart their brains to find peace.

Megan Wilson is the mother of four. She and her husband create an intentional model for their children based on their core values. On her blog, Megan shares resources to draw upon to create a nature-based, Waldorf education in the home. Her seasonal guides include recipes, activities, and inspirations for parents and caregivers.

Phaedra Taylor and her husband purposefully add historical references to their holiday practices to give their two children a sense of belonging at a cultural and global level. Phaedra shares adventures and stories in her creative art series based on being human.

We adored these conversations and know that they will give you inspiration and confidence to branch out and create your own traditions, regardless of what you’ve done in the past!

 

In This Episode:

● Tips for keeping gift giving simple

● How to approach the subject of simple gift giving with friends and family members

● How to talk with your children about making gifts intentional

● How to make the holidays more about connection than gifts

● How to add spiritual practices to the season

● How to cultivate curiosity in kids

● Adding historical references to current cultural practices

● Incorporating the natural world by making handmade gifts

● Celebrating the joy of simply being together

 

Show Notes:

The Minimalist Mom

The Joy of Doing Nothing: A Real-Life Guide to Stepping Back, Slowing Down, and Creating a Simpler, Joy-Filled Life, by Rachel Jonat

Whole Family Rhythms

Whole Family Rhythms Seasonal Guides

Phaedra Jean Art Machine