At Clemson Martial Arts, December is one of our favorite months. Our focus isn’t on the presents or the cookies—or even the annual argument over the star—but on the chance to talk about Joy. It’s about helping families find a moment to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the season.
And let’s be honest: December is busy. Kids are overstimulated, adults are exhausted, and someone in your house is definitely quoting National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation while untangling lights. (“We checked every bulb, right? RIGHT??”) Expectations get sky‑high, and disappointment sneaks in fast.
That’s why our December lesson focuses on two big ideas: Joy and Generosity—not as holiday themes, but as life strategies.
JOY: Noticing the good (even when the day is messy)
We teach kids that joy isn’t a constant feeling. It’s not about perfect days, perfect gifts, or perfect behavior (thank goodness). Joy is paying attention to tiny good things:
- A friend helping them in class
- Noticing improvement in a difficult kick
- A funny moment at dinner
- Getting through a tough day and still finding one thing to smile about
In our dojahng, we use the phrase “Be a good finder.” It trains kids to look for moments that are already good instead of chasing some imaginary perfect scenario.
We also talk about expectations. Many December meltdowns—kid and adult—come from the gap between how we imagined things would go and how real life actually goes. Helping kids enjoy what is instead of longing for what “should have happened” is a life skill that serves them far beyond the holidays.
GRATITUDE: The engine that fuels joy
Gratitude anchors kids in what they do have—not what’s missing. At CMA, we encourage gratitude in class through partner compliments, noticing effort, and appreciating small improvements. Sometimes, on my tough days, just showing up is a big win.
At home, try:
- A gratitude tree (leaves or ornaments with things your child is thankful for)
- A nightly “tiny good thing” ritual
- Asking: “What made you smile today?”
Tiny gratitude habits create big emotional resilience.
GENEROUS ACTION: Create joy for others (and it comes back)
We tell kids, “When you chase joy, it runs away. When you create joy for others, it fills your bucket too.”
Generosity isn’t about gifts. It looks like:
- Helping a sibling without being asked
- Encouraging a classmate
- Sharing time or attention
- Doing small acts of kindness that lift someone else
Kids love discovering that generosity makes them feel stronger, happier, and more connected.
At home: Keep it simple
- Notice when your child shows generosity (“I saw you help your sister—that was awesome.”)
- Talk about “good moments,” not perfect days
- Make joy small and achievable
- Model gratitude in your own messy, imperfect way
December doesn’t need perfection—it needs presence. Joy grows when we pause long enough to notice the good, appreciate what we have, and create meaningful moments for the people around us. That’s the lesson we hope travels with your family far beyond the holidays.