More often than not, we return from our shopping trip overwhelmed and over
budget. And when the holiday arrives, we are understandably disappointed to
see our carefully found treasures thrown into a pile of accumulated things
while our children move on to open the next package.

Not long ago, the holiday season was a simple time of family traditions,
gratitude, and gift-giving from the heart. The magic and beauty of the
season did not come from how much one could receive but from how much one
could give.

Decorating was beautiful and modest with candles and branches of evergreens
draping the doorway. Family and friends would gather together, bringing
along homemade treats and small gifts of appreciation.

Most gifts were made by hand and simple. Mothers would knit sweaters for
their children and fathers would search local shops for the perfect gift.
Children would receive much less but appreciate much more. A new set of
blocks, a special doll, or a set of books would be cherished for years to
come.

Toys were natural and open-ended, leaving room for hours of imagination and
free play. They did not blink, flash, need batteries, or keep children
indoors for most of their day.

How, in a world that is much different now, do we recapture the truth and
surround our children with warmth, simplicity, and peace this holiday
season?

The Benefit of Natural Toys

Toys of today are much different than the basic and sturdy toys of our past.
In addition to the more recent concerns of lead paint on some foreign-made
toys, some of the components that are added to products made with PVC
plastics have been linked to cancer and other serious ailments. “A recent
Greenpeace study revealed that PVC softeners known as phthalates have been
found to cause liver and kidney damage and disrupt hormonal systems in
children (see "Teething Toxins," In Brief, March/April 1998). In response,
several European nations have banned PVC toys altogether. U.S. toy
distributors are still debating the issue.”

With the very safety of our children’s playthings in question, many parents
are choosing to buy natural toys and products for children this year. But
safety is not the only benefit of items made from natural materials such as
wood, cotton, silk, or wool.

Children, like sponges, absorb their environment and the world around them.
The quality and essence of the things that we surround our children with can
have a direct effect on their behavior, health, and ability to learn.
Holding something beautiful that is made from the earth has tremendous
positive psychological effects on human beings.

In fact, natural materials teach children correctly about the world around
them. When a child picks up a rock that is made of plastic, it feels light
and weightless. In nature, rocks are heavy and solid.

Toys that do not require batteries invite open-ended play. This type of play
sparks children’s creativity and requires them to finish the story on their
own. Many electronic toys have a predetermined ending – leaving little room
for imagination causing the child to lose interest quickly.

More often than not, loud toys over-stimulate young children. Blinking
lights, loud sounds, and so much going on muffles the child’s ability to
hear his or her imagination speak. We must quiet the noise in order to allow
our children to listen to the true magic that is within.

Equally important is the fact that natural toys are better for the
environment. Plastic can sit in landfills for hundreds of years and is not
biodegradable.

If you have a skill such as sewing, knitting, or woodworking, consider
making your child something special this year. Not only does this send a
message of love, but it also teaches patience. The time spent on creating
something from hand is a wonderful way to show your children the benefit of
working toward a goal.

If you are not particularly crafty, there are plenty of retailers that sell
natural toys online. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the retailer where
the toys are manufactured and what materials are used during production.
Here are some wonderful places to start shopping for natural children’s
products.

https://www.taraluna.com/
Fair Trade, Organic and Green Gifts and Products

http://www.atoygarden.com/
A Broad Selection of Open Ended, Natural, Creative and Fun Toys for
Children. Fair Trade and Made in the USA toys as well.

http://www.kinderdolls.com/
Waldorf Inspired Dolls and Toys.

http://www.achildsdream.com

http://www.waldorfsupplies.com/
Waldorf Home and School Supplies – Many of the art supplies are imported
from Europe.

http://www.threesisterstoys.com/> http:/
/www.threesisterstoys.com/
Natural Playthings and Waldorf Toys.

http://www.ecotoytown.com/
Earth Friendly Non-Toxic Toy Store

http://planethappytoys.com/
Every product sold at Planet Happy must meet or exceed current US and
European safety standards.

http://toyspectrum.com/
Traditional wooden toys and children’s gifts.

http://www.willowtreetoys.com/
European Waldorf toys, natural wooden toys, Montessori toys and dolls that
are educational and encourage open-ended, creative play.

http://www.novanatural.com/
Waldorf dolls, children’s books and natural craft supplies to stimulate
creative play.

http://www.oompa.com/
Natural and Wooden Toys and Products.

http://www.thewoodenwagon.com/
All of The Wooden Wagon's toys comply with the rigorous European testing
standards.

Quality over Quantity

Let us keep in mind that it is not only the quality of the gifts we give
this year but also the quantity. How much is really enough?

Before holiday shopping, take a good look around your home. How loved are
your child’s belongings? Gifts lose their value when children are surrounded
by so many things. It is unfair of us to expect a child to cherish a new toy
when they are surrounded by so many of them.

When deciding to purchase an item for your child, be selective and ask
yourself the following questions: What purpose will the toy have? Does your
child already have this type of item? Does it engage all five senses and
encourage imagination? It is much better to offer fewer, higher quality toys
that your child will get more use out of than an abundance of toys that will
go unappreciated.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach children the lesson of
giving this holiday season. This year, many children around the world won’t
even have a holiday meal, let alone presents. Talk to your child about this
and then spend a day sorting through items that are no longer cherished or
age-appropriate to donate to others. If the charity only accepts new toys,
considering selling your items and donating the money earned to a worthy
cause.

Simplify and Reduce Stress

Much as young children take in the aesthetics of their environment, they
also absorb the feelings and emotions of their caregivers. We must be
mindful of the message we are sending to them during the holidays and
throughout the year. Here are a few ideas on how to limit stress and create
a more peaceful celebration for yourself and your children:
§ Try to limit the number of commitments you make. When possible, combine
functions to avoid excessive travel or entertaining. Consider scheduling
some events for after the holidays so you can relax and truly enjoy the
company of your family and friends.

Create beautiful traditions with your children. String popcorn, make
ornaments, or go caroling. Allow even the youngest child to assist with
preparing the holiday meal, setting the table, or baking cookies.

Demonstrate kindness. Visit a nursing home, adopt a needy family, or write
letters to those who may be alone this holiday season. Children can add so
much to the lives of others who have so little.

Consider shopping online for many of your gifts this year. This is a
wonderful way to save gas and reduce your stress by avoiding busy stores and
shopping malls.

Above all, let us remember that true happiness cannot be wrapped and placed
under a tree. When we teach our children this, we have already given them
the greatest gift.

Eileen is a work-at-home mother to four daughters. She writes and publishes
monthly nature guides for parents and caregivers of young children at
http://www.littleacornlearning.com/
and has many ideas and activities for parents on her blog at
http://eileensplace.blogspot.com/