Gift Giving and Art Making

We just finished up our Christmas shopping. Although we have bought many nice gifts for our family members, I think the most meaningful ones are those that my daughter has made for them. She has spent many hours creating pieces of art (ornaments, pictures, cards) that we will wrap tonight and hand out tomorrow. I know that her grandparents will treasure the gifts because she made them, but I think my daughter will be the one who benefits the most. Art making has provided her with an opportunity to think aloud as she has shaped her ideas into aesthetic representations. She has been able to discuss the process and what each piece has meant to her. And by giving others personal pieces that she has made, she will learn that gift-giving at Christmas time is not just about materialistic, expensive items. I hope this is a holiday tradition that we continue together!