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"Other Gifts"
There are other gifts we can give our children besides the
latest short-lived, hard-to-assemble, never-lasts-long, doesn't
work right, not-as-good-as-it-looked-on-TV toy. While most kids
want the loudest, gaudiest, goriest, gimmicky gadgets that money
and frantically searching parents can buy; some of the best things
in life, as Mister Rogers says, are "invisible to the eye."
In addition to our multiple duties as devoted and sometimes holiday-harried
parents and caregivers, we should take a little time to carve
out a few teachable moments for those little elves we refer to
as our children.
 During this season, many people take time to attend family
gatherings, religious services or cultural celebrations. But it's
also a time to share stories around the table, look at old family
photographs, and remember our roots. And children can ask grandparents
and older relatives one of their favorite questions: "What
was it like when you were little?"
While television sets may be our electronic version of the
tribal storyteller, the tradition of retelling family stories
during the winter holidays is one that has lasted since time immemorial.
For generations, families have gathered in front of the fireplace
or around the table in a warm kitchen to recount stories from
the pages of the family's history. It is not only a time for swapping
recipes and information sharing, but it's also a chance for parents
and relatives to pass on wisdom, family values and history to
the next generation.
When the weather outside is frightful, use the opportunity
to watch great programs on TV12-to remind your loved ones that
their cultural heritage is not ancient history, it's family history.
Children can always count on shows like The Puzzle Place, Sesame
Street and Reading Rainbow to learn about other people and cultures.
Families will also enjoy PBS programs like The Greek Americans
in December, and Africans in America and Freedom's Edge-WHYY's
own documentary on the history of African Americans in Delaware-both
of which return to TV12 in February. Other programs we've shown
that fill the bill include Ancestors, The Irish in America, and
Ellis Island: The Immigrant Experience.
Learning about the past will enable us to more fully understand
and appreciate the sacrifices and accomplishments of our ancestors
which, in turn, will help to us determine who we are in the present
and where we're going in the future. Giving our children a sense
of history, connectedness, family values, traditions and pride
will provide guidance and memories that last a lifetime. And these
may be among the finest gifts we can ever give them. Don't forget
to add them to your holiday shopping list!
Samuel M. Lemon, MS
Manager, Community Education Services
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America is rich with many cultures that celebrate religious
or traditional holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are three
that are widely known. But others add to the beauty and tapestry
of American diversity as well. For example, El Dia de Los Reyes
or Three Kings Day is celebrated by many Latinos. Families whose
roots originated in India may observe Deepawali. And Tet is the
New Year's celebration of our Vietnamese friends. Mid-winter holidays
and celebrations have existed for hundreds, if not thousands of
years. They can serve as a way for people to reaffirm their cultures,
appreciate their families, or give thanks for the many blessings
received during the year.