The Gift of Encouragement — When gift-giving becomes a stress and a burden it is time to step back and rethink our intentions. Students explore the notion that some of the most meaningful gifts we ever give or receive cost nothing and mean everything.
Key Ideas: Gift Giving - Encouraging Others - Generosity of Spirit
Character Traits: Respect - Caring
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for National Tell Someone They Are Doing a Good Job Week.

Human Rights Day - Safeguarding the Rights of Others — It's been said that safeguarding the rights of others is both a noble and beautiful thing. With this plan students have the opportunity to explore how this concept plays out in their everyday lives.
Key Ideas: Human Dignity - Bill of Rights - Freedom - Equal Justice
Character Traits: Fairness - Respect - Tolerance

National Stress-Free Holiday Month: Town Mouse/Country Mouse — No matter how hard we try to make the holidays stress-free, there will be moments over the holiday season when students, parents, or other family members get stressed out. In the well-known Aesop's fable, Town Mouse is far too concerned with wanting more and better and forgets that what's truly important is enjoying what we have with the people we love. Great springboard for some meaningful dialogue. Tips for dealing with stress.
Key Ideas: Holiday Stress - Dealing with Stress
Character Traits: Love - Caring - Gratitude

No More Whine — It's so easy to whine and grumble when things aren't exactly the way we want them to be or when we are faced with a problem, but whining can make a situation much worse while making us and those around us unhappy. This winter break, regardless of the holiday your students may be celebrating, they can make it a happier time with family and friends by focusing on what's good and beautiful about the season.
Key Ideas: Whining and Grumbling - Problem Solving
Character Traits: Gratitude - Positive Attitude

Winter Holidays: Priceless Gifts — Many of us get so caught up in holiday gift giving that we forget about the greatest gift of all, the gift of giving something of ourselves to others. This message and corresponding lesson plan helps students think about the meaning and value of gifting others with their time, energy, and caring.
Key Ideas: The value of giving freely - Giving of ourselves - Volunteering as a gift
Character Traits: Caring, Generosity, Service

Winter Holidays: Get Creative! — For many of us, the holidays have become too stressful and too commercial when this should be a time for some recreation, which literally means "to create anew." These materials encourage students (as well as teachers) to find relaxing and creative ways to enjoy the holidays.
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility