Holiday Tips: Holiday Manners

Tips for Teaching Kids Gratitude During the Holidays

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

My kids are really excited for the holidays and have already begun to write their letters to Santa. However, I really don't want them to think the holidays are just about writing a list and then getting everything you want off that list. Last year a relative gave my kids several gifts and they didn't even say thank you! Do you have any tips that will help me teach my kids how to mind their manners this holiday season?

Sincerely,

Where are the Holiday Manners?

April Masini's advice:

Dear Where are the Holiday Manners?,

Before you even write a shopping list, discuss gratitude with your children.

Gratitude is thankfulness, and the most simple and elegant way to express gratitude is with grace. It's free. It's easy. It doesn't make you fat and you can do it all day long.

Grace is often forgotten and ignored -- and missed sorely. The holidays are a wonderful time to take an accounting of how gracefully you live, and it's a wonderful time to start acting more gracefully.

Did you ever see someone who looked terrific, well groomed, smartly dressed, and an all around winner – until they spoke or acted? All of a sudden bad manners tumble out, and no matter how good their haircut or their suit, they suddenly look like they don’t belong. Manners is the leg up you can give yourself and your loved ones – whether it’s a husband, a child, or a friend – that doesn’t cost a thing and will make you stand out by fitting in, and better yet, you’ll get the date, the job or the place in your community you want because of the way you act. It’s easy.