Truly the holiday season is upon us. I’ve heard many people say that the holiday time is their favorite time of the year while others say it’s the worst time of the year. For many, this holiday season is revered with lots of anticipation to attend festivities, family gatherings and all sorts of events. The holidays are a time full of traveling, cooking, cleaning, planning, cooking more, making lists and counting chairs, flatware and napkins.
Written by: Rose Hedgemond
For many, it’s also a time to visit family members who live away from home, a time for college kids to come back home (laundry and all)… Yes – the holiday time is not shy of things to do. We hear this is a time for gratitude, sharing and giving to those who may be less fortunate – even donating time to organizations that may be in need of help. In all of these things during the holiday time the main thing that stands out and is extremely critical is: time. Time is a priceless commodity that, once spent, you will never get back.
The holiday season is the perfect time for kids to practice setting the table and exercise their use of table manners – plus it is a great time to get the family together without distractions of everyday life to simply celebrate the joys of the season. Many people take time off from work and school to spend time with their families and loved ones. The holidays are a good time to strengthen connections and renew those relationships. But how can this be done? Easily. For starters let’s turn off those things that may cause distractions like cell phones, computers, and televisions and take time to focus on family. I think we have all seen the popular credit card commercial that uses the tagline “priceless”. Well, time is priceless. Although throughout the year we try to put a price tag on time when it comes to family…it’s simply priceless. And as it concerns our families – especially kids – all they really want is time.
So often with busy and conflicting schedules it can be quite challenging for families to come together and spend quality time at the dining table for a meal. Now more than ever it appears we are in the age and society of eat-on-the-go. Because of this fast paced society, social graces have, for some, fallen by the wayside and are not demonstrated as dominantly as possible. Sitting down with kids and enjoying a family meal, and allowing children to set the table, is beneficial for many important reasons. Learning how to properly set a table is an important skill for kids to learn. While it may be a little challenging at first, once a child properly learns how to set a table he or she will be more likely to volunteer to set the table on a regular basis. Additionally, by teaching the child how to set the table you are spending quality time which is priceless. Finally, no matter whether your table is an imported high-end mahogany wood in a setting with vaulted ceilings and crystal chandlers or a small quaint piece in the heart of the home, the importance, and focus, is not what kind of table. It is using the table you have as the center to communicate, share love, and spend time together.
One of the greatest gifts of the holiday season is the gift of time with family. Spend time together to strengthen relationships and to make wonderful family memories. Strong families spend quality time with each other in large quantities. So begin spending time with each other during the holidays and continue making time for each other throughout the year.
During all of the hustle and bustle of this upcoming season, remember to spend your time sharing, caring, and giving love. Here’s to you and your family’s holiday time! Here’s to living it up this holiday season by spending time!
Below, are some benefits of allowing your child (ren) to set the table: