As a child, I had joyous, thrilling, happy Christmas experiences. My parents and I enjoyed Christmas together…from taking toys, fruit and meals to the underprivileged to visiting the big Rich’s Christmas Tree with my dad. In this blog post, I’ll share how you can give yourself a gift this year by enrolling your children in a holiday manners for kids class.
This class is designed to prepare your child to have a heart and spirit of gratitude. I will discuss with my students about being a proper guest and how one should arrive asking “what can I do” not “what do you have planned for me?”
Memories from My Childhood
When I was a child, my dad would brief me about the real meaning of Christmas and how my heart should be joyous. My mom would brief me before we helped my grandmother together. She would tell me how my nannie would spend many days working to prepare a spectacular Christmas dinner with turkey, dressing and coconut cake.
My nannie’s heart was happy, and my daddy Venson would share Christmas stories with me and would ask me if I wanted any hot cider. The house was small, charming and cozy…and there were always presents for me under her tree. Oh, what sweet memories, and how I wish I could wrap these experiences in a box and gift it to others.
I may not be able to give you the same experiences I had, but I can share tips with you and your family to help with manners for kids and gift giving etiquette during the holidays.
Proper Gift-Giving Etiquette for the Holidays
Gifting during the holiday season can consume a lot of our time and efforts. We want to give to those we love and care for daily as well as teachers, friends and the needy in our communities.
I offer my holiday etiquette class for children to teach them what is proper and how to always be able to make the recipient feel good. The goal of gift-giving is to make others feel special. I know I have received gifts I may not have wanted, but I wish I could go back and hug each person in my life who took time to drive to a store, purchase a gift and wrap it for me.
As a grandmother, I see the importance of teaching children to understand the Bible verse “It is better to give than to receive.” In today’s world, adults and children are taught to make lists, send emails and tell others what they want at Christmas. The joy of surprise has been removed! I will help my students learn how to give gifts that are appropriate for all cultures.
First, teach your children how to give. Practice the six rules of gift giving, which includes a recipient’s desires, needs, interests, experiences and culture. Take the time to stop and think of others.
- Set a budget
- Set aside a time to shop with your child
- Consider flea markets
- Make sure your gift is nicely wrapped or in a bag with tissue paper
- Have no expectations of what you might get in return
- Write a Thank You note within 24 hours to the gift-giver
- Never say you do not like a gift
- Encourage time and talent for gift-giving. For example, my granddaughter and I bake cookies together and take them to the neighbors.
- Offer your services to others as a gift
Want to Encourage Good Manners for Kids? Help your Child Prepare for the Holidays with an Etiquette Class
Sign up today and reserve your spot for a Holiday Etiquette Dining Experience!
Who:
- Children from ages 5-10 years old
- Christmas dress is required for students and dress sweaters or coats for the boys
- Class size will be 12 students maximum
When:
- Offered on Saturday, November 16th, 30th, 2024 or Saturday, December 7th, 14th, 28th, 2024
- Class is one hour long from 5-6 PM
Where:
Sadelle’s Dallas at 1 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
Cost:
- $175 per student, with an additional $30 to $45 per child for food
- Dinner will be served, with food pre-ordered so that the dining lesson can be taught
Class Details:
This class is open to boys and girls, with the purpose of the class to prepare your child to exhibit his or her best manners during the Holiday season and beyond.
- The etiquette of gift giving and receiving
- The etiquette of a joyful attitude
- The etiquette of how to maintain a servant’s heart
- The etiquette of dining
- The etiquette of being a proper houseguest
- The etiquette of proper dress
- The etiquette of church conduct
- The etiquette of gift giving to your teachers
- The proper handshake
Contact Lisa to Enroll Today!
Dallas, Texas etiquette expert, Lisa Burdette, offers private and group etiquette lessons to help teens and children learn etiquette and social skills for success at home, in school interactions and throughout life.
Ready to book? Use the link above to sign up for Lisa’s Holiday Etiquette class. Or, reach out via our Contact page to request your manners for kids session with Lisa today! The Dallas School of Etiquette also offers classes for interview skills and social graces, business etiquette and fine dining sessions for teens and adults.
