The holidays often sucks us into the gimmes, just like our kids, as we make the holidays happen. We easily lose track of the underlying message of the season for our kids. Consider these focused activities to reconnect with the holiday lessons:
1) CHOOSE actively, in line with your values. Stop and consider what you want to teach about the holiday season. You might want to say no if an event is too commercial, or detracts from planned family time. It’s fine to focus on fun–and opt out if an event is more drudgery or duty than pleasure. This is your holiday, too, and you have the right to celebrate it in a way that is meaningful and enjoyable for you. What a good example for your children!
2) INVOLVE everyone in the process of giving, helping small children pick out toys for the holiday toy drive, donate from their piggy banks to the bell ringer at the grocery, or make macaroni necklaces for favorite aunts or sitters. Older children might perform a chore, or sing/perform on an instrument for neighbors, visiting family, or residents of a senior living community.
3) READ one book about your spiritual perspective and traditions nightly. Every library has a children’s librarian eager to suggest new (or old favorite) titles. On the subject of reading, consider a classic book as a gift each year. Building a personal library for a child fosters a lifelong love of reading, one value to focus on that continues throughout the year.
drdianesanford.com 
How true!
It’s a difficult time of the year for non-Christians. Our families suck us into what I consider the worst of the holiday traditions, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to opt out of some of them. The best I can usually hope for is to grit my teeth and keep telling myself, “This, too, shall pass…” I keep working on my breathing, and re-focusing myself on what my own personal spiritual beliefs are, and keep reaffirming them and reaffirming them AND reaffirming them! LOL. And try to keep a sense of humour, although I’ve been failing miserably at that lately. Nothing challenges me more in terms of self-care than handling this season, but I’m hanging in there!
The season is hard work, and you’ve provided valuable perspective on what it’s like to fight the mainstream this time of year. Dig in your heels and continue to do what works for you!
I hope, too, for you, that you have a support system that is aligned with your beliefs and can give you a safe place to connect and vent about the tolls of the season.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! Hang in there.