I had Santa letters ready, freshly printed. I had never seen my students so excited to write all year long. The names of video games and toys I overheard could have made the ultimate catalog for any toy store.
But of course, we all know there are things money can’t buy.
When it was Violeta’s turn to start her list, I noticed something unusual: her mind seemed to go completely blank.
I knew her well, so it didn’t surprise me. Violeta was one of those overly sheltered children who didn’t even need to open her mouth to get everything she wanted. With wealthy parents who catered to her every whim, she seemed to have everything...
Curious, I approached her. What could Violeta possibly ask Santa for? Maybe the latest trendy toy or another piece of clothing for her extensive collection. But no. Violeta wasn’t writing. She scratched her head, stared at the ceiling, and watched her classmates with a mix of anguish, confusion, and uncertainty.
“Violeta, it’s been 20 minutes, and you haven’t written anything,” I said patiently.
“Yes, Miss, I’ll start now.”
Her blue eyes and blond hair reflected a struggle bigger than just a blank sheet of paper. While the other kids filled their letters with dreams, wishes, and colors, she had only managed to color in Santa.
“Miss, I don’t know what to write,” she finally whispered to me.
I took her aside while the others headed to recess. We sat together, and I said, “Violeta, close your eyes. Think of something that would make you really happy. It doesn’t have to be a toy or clothes—just something you truly wish for with all your heart.”
She closed her eyes, and suddenly, her face lit up with a smile.
“I know what I want, Miss!” she exclaimed excitedly.
“And what is it, Violeta? Can you tell me?”
“Yes. I want a little brother, someone to play and talk with... and for my dad to be home every day... and for my mom to play with me using the toys she buys me. Also, I want my parents to sit with me when my nanny makes my favorite food.”
I felt a lump in my throat. This girl, who had “everything” materially, was teaching me what truly matters at Christmas.
The next day, I decided to try something different with my students: Candy Cane Craft: My Christmas Experiences. We reflected on what we could give and ask for that can’t be seen or touched but brings joy to the heart.
I thought they might find it boring, but I was wrong. By understanding that giving and receiving experiences could be just as valuable as physical gifts, my students discovered the hidden magic in meaningful moments.
This brings me to why focusing on experiences in the classroom is so important and how to approach it:
Why Focus on Experiences Instead of Things for Christmas?
Fosters Emotional Connections: Experiences create shared memories that strengthen relationships.
Teaches Gratitude: Encouraging children to value experiences helps them appreciate time and effort over material things.
Encourages Creativity: Planning or participating in experiences fosters imagination, problem-solving, and emotional growth.
Reduces Materialism: It helps children understand that happiness comes from meaningful connections, not just possessions.
Strategies to Promote Experiential Christmas Gifts
1. Storytelling and Discussions
Read Stories: Share books like The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell, which shows that love and presence are the greatest gifts. (It’s available on YouTube.)
“Experience Gift” Brainstorm Activity: Have children come up with non-material gift ideas for their loved ones, such as:
A family movie night at home with snacks they prepare.
A homemade coupon for a picnic or walk together.
Baking cookies with a grandparent.
An afternoon doing nothing with their parents.
2. Letter Gift
Family Letters: Encourage students to write letters to their families, asking for or offering experiences instead of toys. For example:
“Dear Mom, instead of a toy, I’d love a day baking cookies with you!”
3. Highlight Giving Back
Discuss how giving experiences can extend beyond the family:
Volunteering at an animal shelter.
Writing thank-you notes to community helpers.
I hope this experience, along with these strategies, inspires you and your students to embrace a different kind of Christmas; one where experiences and shared moments take center stage. After all, those are the memories we’ll treasure forever.
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