I love to listen to the children this time of year. They don’t have the same constraints on creating their heart’s desires that adults do, so kids make their wish lists with reckless abandon anticipating surprises that delight. This year, the current economy has caused many families to curb or quash children’s anticipations. Where is the balance?
I am a firm believer in charity work, reaching out and the spirit of community that gets fostered during the holidays, but the creative energy that ignites in children this time of year really makes me excited. This is one time of year when kids can create what they want and almost instantly see the fruits of their creations. What great validation. Trouble comes when well-intentioned parents try to thwart the creative process to avoid disappointment.
Balance in this process comes from teaching our children to dream, create and imagine, while having gratitude for whatever the universe delivers; for it is always perfect and timely. As your children make their holiday, or even birthday wish lists, try to avoid comments like, “That’s really expensive” or “Only put a couple of things on your list” or “It’s going to be a tight birthday this year.” All of these statements, while well-meaning, are designed to lower expectations and ward off disappointment. It doesn’t usually occur to us that we are creating the very disappointed we were trying to avoid. Kids want to dream and create — let them. That hydrogen fueled car may be something you cannot imagine being able to afford or have the space to play with, but the unexpected happens everyday.
It is appropriate to help your child be comfortable with the perfection and timing of the Universe. As they make their list try some of these techniques that will empower them and your whole family to create. Then sit back and watch as things you never thought possible come into your life.
As your child makes their list have them prioritize the items, moving to the top 3-5 things they want most. It’s easier to create when we know what we most desire. Let them change the list a few times — children live very present moment and their desires can change quickly. If we give them opportunity they manifest quickly too. Ward off entitlement by saying things like, “I’m sure that you will get the gifts that are perfect for you right now.” Set them up to be grateful. Sit with your child and imagine being happy on the big day(s). Talk about how much fun the family will have, how festive the party will be or how it will feel to see your creation(s) come true.
This all may seem out of reach to you, so let me share a quick story. A friend of mine is struggling financially this year and her son’s handheld electronic device is old and fading. In her mind she just couldn’t figure out how she could replace that loved item this year, but still let her son put it on his Christmas list. She empowered him to prioritize and create and so did she. She knew that if it was in alignment she would find a way. She was in a thrift shop a recently and a brand new device was there along with a few new games. She was able to pick them up for prices that fit her budget. She didn’t let her awareness of tight finances get in the way of the creation. She held on to the desire with her son and they anticipated a good holiday no matter what. Those are the keys to creative success.
Little Soul Productions 
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