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| The Gift of Giving |
 jennysulpizio writes, "The sounds, sights, and smells of the holiday season usually have us recalling a favorite tradition or memory. I'll be the first to say, that this is my favorite time of year. But in all honesty, most of us spend too much time (and money) in the days leading up to Christmas that we hardly have time to enjoy it. We fail to remember what the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season is all about: the gift of giving."
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As parents, we have this really important role-we are in charge of raising the next generation. In fact I tell my daughter almost on a daily basis (usually when she is mad about a decision I've made), that my job is to make her the best adult possible. My decisions and the things I teach her will mold her and her siblings into their adult lives and beyond. Talk about pressure! But it's in these moments (especially during the holiday season), when I can fully instill the importance of giving to others. I want my kids to know that while receiving gifts is fun, there's no other feeling like giving to another in need. It's my job to teach them compassion, generosity and appreciation for the blessings they have received. It's my job to provide opportunities so they can learn these characteristics as well...and there's no better time than the holidays.
How about you? Are you in need of some ideas to help drive home this message to your kiddos? No worries, I've got some great ones that you can enjoy and take part in together.
1) Operation Christmas Child: Send a present abroad to an underdeveloped nation. Take your kids to the dollar store and have them pick out items to fill a shoebox so that a friend overseas can enjoy the spirit of the holidays as well. Even better? Have your child include a letter all about them with a message that they want to send to their new friend. They may just get one back.
2) Samaritan's Purse Gift catalog: Put the wish book catalogs aside and pull out this one instead. Have your children select an item for a family in need to receive. These items vary in price and help families and communities alike on a global level.
3) Build-A-Bear: Hit your local Build-a-Bear store and have your children make (and stuff) a bear of their choice to give to a sick friend in need at the children's hospital. Having my own daughter receive one when she was hospitalized meant the world to her and in turn, she has already stuffed a bear for another child, as has my son. Pay it forward.
4) Food banks: Help serve, donate, or plan an event for those who are without food this holiday season. Make sure to bring your kids along as well so they can see with their own eyes the good they are doing and the people they are helping.
5) Toys for Tots: Hit Toys"R"Us and have each of your children purchase a gift to donate into the box out front. They will love the opportunity to do so.
These are just a few ideas of what you and your family can do this holiday season to help another in need, spread some Christmas cheer, and teach the power of kindness, caring, and good old generosity.
How do you plan on helping out the community and friends in need this holiday season? How will you spread some Christmas cheer?
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Posted on Nov 18, 2011 14:28pm.
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Thank you for these great ideas to help us all remember the Reason for the Season!
-- anan1, Nov 26, 2011 09:47am
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