It’s about that time of year when holiday playlists are on repeat, families gather for traditions, and of course the creation of the infamous holiday wishlists. I can still remember when the holiday wishlist was a big deal in my family. It was an opportunity to compile all the items I believed I needed and allowed me to explain to my parents the importance of my choices. As an adult, I now get myself gifts, but I’ve realized there are several opportunities to learn lessons during the holiday season. Over several years, I’ve noticed that creative teaching is an important tool within a Black parent’s toolbox. Whether it was explaining nuances of our reality, ingraining fundamental teaching of culture, or creating out-of-the-box ways of making lessons stick, unconventional teachings provide invaluable learning.

Recently, Marketing Executive, Bozoma Saint John shared with the world an annual unconventional lesson and family tradition she has with her 13-year-old daughter, Leal. Each holiday season, Leal is presented with the opportunity to pitch her holiday wishlist to her mother and relatives. Accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, Leal, expertly presented her wishlist and explained the why for every item selected. Bozoma decided early on to have her daughter present her wishlist because she believes that “It’s never too early to learn how to present your perspective and convince your audience to agree to the ask.” Whether Leal was asking for new clothes to become a trendsetter in school or makeup to pursue my passion of becoming a professional makeup artist, Leal had a perspective for all her items. Hearing about how Leal presented her wishlist, reminded me of how often Black parents take a simple task and turn it into a lesson.

As a marketer, the art of pitching is an invaluable skill that can be taught at a young age and applied to anything. The hidden lesson of pitching a holiday wishlist is a valuable lesson for children because it develops their perspective, presentation skills, and confidence in their viewpoint. In years to come, hopefully, more unconventional methods of learning come to light and are shared so other families can adopt or transform learning as well.

-Kimberly Heard