Our youngest, Graham, is 2 years old and is still somewhat clueless to Christmas. Yes, he is SO excited about presents, and singing happy birthday to Jesus, but trying to teach him the concept of giving is a little rough (we try where we can). However, our daughter, Brylee, is 5 and she is at prime age for all of these life lessons. This year especially, we are having all sorts of conversations about the importance of giving to others during the Christmas season.
For kids, giving during the Christmas season can be a lot to wrap their heads around. Especially when they are asked over and over what they want for Christmas. I recently read an article that said, instead of constantly asking your kids what they want for Christmas, ask them what they are going to give to someone for Christmas. I thought this was so good! It’s sometimes just about taking the extra time and step to shift their mindset, and also our own mindset as parents.
Involving Your Kids in the Giving Experience
I have a really sweet friend who hosts an event in December every year called, The Snowflake Party. It’s a party where we get all of our little girls together, they can dress up if they wish, and we bring gifts for kids less fortunate. We do crafts, read a Christmas book, have yummy food, dance, and have lots of fun! But, above all of the fun, it is amazing to see all of our little girls put Christmas gifts under the tree for other little boys and girls.
The Snowflake Party is one of my favorite Christmas traditions every year. Once we know what kids we are buying for, I take Brylee shopping. This is such a special day, as it always creates so much dialogue around the topic of giving. I love teaching her first hand the importance of putting your own wants aside, and giving to others. There are some really big life lessons taught when we leave Target with a cart full of toys and clothes for other kids, and none for herself! I’d love to go on and on about the conversations we’ve had and the full circle moments that have taken place; however, I might lose you! But let me tell you from experience, our kids are smart, they are observant, and they have huge potential to have big hearts and give! Let’s nurture this!!
Below are three ways you can involve your kids in giving during the Christmas season.
1. Give to a Local Organization
For the Snowflake Party, we partner with a local Charlotte, NC ministry called, One7. One7 provides housing, mentoring, a soccer league, private academy and an after-school program for inner city youth and families in need throughout the Charlotte area. It is an amazing organization. If you are looking for an organization that you can give to locally, check out what you have available in your own city!
2. Be Creative with How You Give
This year, I started researching creative ways you can involve your children in giving, aside from partnering with an organization. I found some really great ideas. Below are a few of my favorites.
- Surprise your teacher or coach with a gift
- Donate a few of your toys to a local charity
- Sponsor a child for Christmas by buying them Christmas toys (if you have a picture of the child you are sponsoring this is really great to show your kids)
- Leave small gifts, treats, or cards in grocery carts for people to find
- Make cards for those at a retirement home
- Take a treat to your bus driver and thank them for taking you to school
- Give a thank you card to the school janitor, thanking them for all they do to keep the school clean
- Pay for someone’s coffee or food in back of you at the drive thru (explaining to your child what you did)
- Take a present to a children’s hospital (you will have to look up the details of how you do this, but many hospitals have this available)
- Bring the man ringing the bell at the grocery store, a cup of coffee
3. Partner with Large Organizations and Programs
If you are looking to partner with a larger organization, there are some great options. Below are a few that I really love. They all have a sound mission, core values, and great ways to give back!