Because last week ended with the dreaded day known as “Black Friday” I chose not to post my usual list of links to things I found while looking around the internets. Still, there are plenty of things out there worthy of your time.

For example, this Time Magazine article helps parents understand why our kids don’t always say “Thank You” for the stuff we give them.

Then there’s this TED talk from Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, that ties to the video I posted last week about the science of happiness and how it’s tied to gratitude.

Have you ever felt like the world could use one more really good holiday? The folks from Soul Pancake took to the streets and asked random people what one holiday they would add to our cultural calendar. Their answers are fun and inspiring.

Sometimes the holiday season is just a big blur for parents. In addition to all the extra stuff (parties, shopping, preparation, etc.) we still have to work and pay bills and do all the routine things. Sadly, the people for whom we are doing these things can get lost in the mix. Here’s a timely article from Cliff Hsia offering a simple formula for how to be a more mindful parent.

Finally, most parents have had an experience like this father. He’s really trying to scold his two sons (for obvious reasons). He starts off strong, but at about the 1:45 mark he can’t help himself and starts to chuckle. I love how the older brother keeps trying to throw his younger brother under the bus. As a youngest child, I’m pretty sure my sister did this to me a time or two.

Enjoy the first week of December, and let me know if there’s anything I missed!