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H O M E & G A R D E N
DESIGN IDEAS:
Kids and the Holidays
Setting the holiday table is a great way for kids to participate in home
decorating.
Designed by Natalie Weinstein;
photographed by Jack Ader/Images for Presentation.
OUR TOWN • DECEMBER 2008
by Natalie
Weinstein,
Allied ASID
The holidays
bring out
the kid in all of
us. For a little
while, even in
these challenging
times, we
escape into a world of gift giving,
holiday decorating and family
gathering. Whatever holiday is
celebrated, it’s home centered,
and the sights and smells bring
cheer to a cold winter season. For
kids the holidays mean presents,
school vacation, visits from family
and a general sense of fun and
anticipation. Parents and grandparents
can add another dimension
to kids’ perception and participation
this holiday season.
Gift giving and receiving can
be turned into a great “giving
thanks” lesson by focusing on
providing the less fortunate with
outgrown clothing and toys,
games and books. Winter vacation
is a great time for organizing
kids’ bedrooms – clothes, toys,
books, school work, etc. As they
give away, they make room for
more to come and zero in on
what they really need as well as
what they want. The incentive is
never greater for kids to shape up,
as they watch the family get the
rest of the house organized and
ready for company.
Past toddler ages, children can
be part of the clean-up and decoration
process throughout the
house as well. Whether unpacking
and putting out decorations,
helping set the holiday table,
wrapping presents, cooking or
baking with parents or grandparents
– children will be making
memories and keeping family traditions
that they will pass on in
the future.
Encourage children to add to
the holidays by being contributory.
Sewing, drawing, making holiday
decorations, writing a play
or a poem, or entertaining family
and friends with a special piece
of music are all positive ways to
develop people skills, poise and
self-esteem. I still treasure and
display the Chanukah menorahs
made by my sons when they
were seven and ten along with
this past Thanksgiving holiday
play given by my five and nine
year old grandchildren.
Traditions in families are handed
down in many ways – orally,
through photographs or videos or
just by doing. Kids are always
curious and want to know why
something happens in their family
in a certain way every year.
Take the time to share, even if
you’re overwhelmed with what
you think are more pressing
duties – or better yet, delegate
that task to an elderly member of
your family who might have more
time to spend with your child. It’s
a great way for generations to
bond, creating more shared
memories.
Most of all, try to keep the kid
in you as the pressure mounts,
and put things in true prospective.
How important are those
expensive gifts? Perhaps we all
need to step back, realize what’s
truly best about the holidays and
let our children see that it’s not
the material things, but the spirit
of home and family that is
remembered long after the “must
have” gift of the year is forgotten.
From the Weinstein clan at
home and at work – Best wishes
to you this holiday season. Here’s
hoping you make many happy
memories and add to your holiday
traditions. –Fondly, Natalie
If you have a design question
that you would like Natalie to
answer in future columns, please
email info@nataliesclub.com.
Editor’s Note:
Natalie Weinstein is president of Natalie
Weinstein Design Associates and the
Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating
Club with over 15,000 members on Long
Island. If you have a design question or
would like to become a member, visit
www.nataliesclub.com, call
631.862.6198, or e-mail
nataliesclub@aol.com. Hear “Design
Tips by Natalie” on WALK 97.5 FM,
“Home Show”on WALK 1370 AM,
Sundays from 10 AM - 11AM and podcast
24/7 on walkradio.com, keyword
Natalie.