Tips for Teaching Children the Importance of Giving at Christmas
Christmas can either bring out the Grinch or the giver in all of us! But, there is no better time than Christmas to teach children about the importance of giving. Jennifer Carver, from Spaceships and Laser Beams, is here sharing some tips for teaching children about the spirit of giving.
Tips for Teaching Children the Importance of Giving at Christmas
Tip #1: Start by doing a small gift exchange in your home. Teaching children to look outside of themselves should start in the home. You can organize a family gift exchange by drawing names. Whether you choose to give monetary gifts or gifts of service, your children will find great joy in surprising their chosen recipient. A meaningful gift doesn’t have to cost money. Making a parent’s bed, helping clean a sibling’s room or drawing a picture for a grandparent are all thoughtful expressions of love. You can even download simple, free printable Christmas gifts.
Tip #2: Spread the giving and service outside of your home into your neighborhood. Giving outside of your home doesn’t have to be a huge event or result in great expense. Small acts filled with great love are always appreciated. Start simple by putting together a Christmas service advent calendar. This could last the whole month of December or focus on a smaller block of time, such as the 12 days of Christmas.
On your service calendar, choose a small gift or service that can be given each day. For example, perhaps one day you bake cookies for a neighbor. Another day could be spent helping an elderly neighbor decorate. Christmas cards with a kind message could be made by hand and passed out door-to-door. Even going Christmas caroling to spread cheer can be a great way to practice giving. Shoveling snow, washing dishes or windows, helping watch small children or cleaning cars are more service ideas.
Tip #3: Take your giving spirit and share it with your larger community. Now that your family has practiced giving, you are ready to take on a bigger role. Consider checking in with local food banks or shelters and helping with their holiday needs. This may be helping to serve a warm holiday meal or perhaps collecting non-perishable food, clothes, toiletries, and toys for those in need.
Tip #4: Broaden your efforts to include global opportunities to give. Many children don’t understand their ability to change the world, but as adults, we know that it is possible. Check in with local chapters of agencies such as the Red Cross to find out how you can help by either participating in domestic or foreign relief efforts. Many areas of the world suffer the ill effects of war or natural disasters. Hygiene kits, clothing, medical supplies and school kits are often needed all over the globe.
Teaching children how to give meaningful service during the Christmas season will have a lasting impression. By focusing on giving, the true meaning of Christmas will be experienced not only by the recipients of the gifts but also by the givers.
