This year I want it to be a little different over the holidays. This year I don’t want to stand in a pile of paper and packaging on Boxing Day, nor do I want to feel the stress and panic on the impending holiday. This year, we are choosing something different

This year we will be focusing on giving our children experiences instead of toys. As parents of three children we are well aware of how the funds seep out the door every month, but even more so in December. So, in the effort of stopping the flow, and managing our expenses, but also being able to provide our kids with a fulfilling and enriched life, we are looking closely at what we bring in the door this Christmas, and thinking about the months ahead in the coming year.

I have a few ideas to limit the consumption of disposable toys this holiday, and provide something a little longer lasting, but before you leap, listen! Are your kids dreaming of hitting the slopes, or learning the violin but the budget just doesn’t allow it? Use the holidays as a time to recognize their interest and invest in their hobbies. In my world $150 is much better spent on ski lessons than Barbies. The holidays should be a time that we love giving gifts, and an opportunity to provide something that is well thought out and appreciates the receiver! So, open your ears, ask questions and let your imagination run!

Expand their mind:  We are fortunate in Canada to have amazing resources of community arts programming. Whether you live in a small town like us, or the busy streets of Vancouver, there will be future concerts, plays and arts experiences in the coming months. Purchase ahead of time and build the anticipation for attending some once in a blue moon special events. This is also an amazing time to spend some 1 on 1 time with your kids, and make a special day of it! Check out Ticketmaster for Canada wide events, or your local arts center for localized opportunities!

Expand their Skills:  I am always impressed with the variety of experiential classes that are popping up for kids these days.  From kids cooking, to art classes, give your little peeps the chance to learn something new! Think outside the box and wrap up a one off workshop, or a seasonal class for them!

Expand their horizons: I truly believe that by showing our kids the world we are making better humans, who are more community minded and open minded.  If you have a little more room in the budget, or are planning a trip for the family already this year, consider adding it to the Christmas list! If that feels like you are cheating, plan a special activity for the kids while on holiday!  Not everyone can afford a swim with the dolphins after shelling out the cash to get to the tropics, but with some advance planning, these excursions can be added this Christmas!

Expand their hearts:  There are multiple amazing organizations that support and nurture entrepreneurs around the world, or provide funding to a variety of causes. From small investments via Kickstarter, to Kiva investing  and some cool and creative gift ideas at Plan Canada, do your research and share some of the Christmas dollars you were planning on spending with something that will better someone else’s day.

In the end, we are very fortunate here in Canada. Our kids usually hav e more than enough, and I hope you are encouraged to look away from the masses of toys and disposable gifts this year and focus on investing in your kids (and your partner) for the long run.