The holidays are supposed to form our hearts — but too often they form our credit card statements instead. With U.S. holiday retail nearing $1 trillion, the pressure to buy has become its own season. This piece shows how parents can reclaim Advent, feast with intention, and teach children to give, wait, and wonder — practical steps, not platitudes. Read it if you want holiday traditions that actually shape character. Share one tradition your family won’t give up — I’ll feature the best in my next post.