For many children this is a season of Santa, gifts, and more gifts. My children are no different. Years ago, while watching a commercial, they told me that they wanted something and I replied “Tell Santa.” They thought that meant to shout out into the room “I WANT THAT SANTA!” Even now they believe if they say it loud, he will hear them. In actuality, what it has created in the beginning of the season is two parents running into the room to validate if that gift is on the list. (So, I guess he is listening.)
Although it is fun to watch my children relish in the excitement of Santa, our elf, Ruby, and all the fun activities we will do leading up to the holiday, what I am most considered about during this season is making sure they continue to have a heart of giving. Any activities I can get my hands on that allows them to contribute, we are participating.
Operation Christmas Child starts the season of giving for our family. For those that are not familiar, this is an incredible way to get your children involved and is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse was actually founded by Franklin Graham in 1970. To participate, you pack shoe boxes for a child overseas with little toys, coloring books, bath needs, and a mini bible, wrap it and put a sticker on it stating the age & gender of the child who is to receive the box. We head out the weekend our church sponsors this event and start shopping. The girls do the shopping themselves. They have to walk into a store, shop for items they want and like, and the bigger challenge, walk out of the store with nothing for themselves. I am not going to lie; this is not always easy, especially when they are little. My Deanna will barter with me, “I will give the little girl this one and I will keep this one, see- it comes in a two pack.” A smart cookie she is, however, she does not win this debate.
There is also The Giving Tree at church which is another great way to give back. All the toys placed under this tree go directly to children in our local community. This time the girls pick out anything they want. What I loved about this year is that Delaney picked something out she loved when she was 4-5, a wooden Ariel magnetic doll set. Deanna picked out toys for a baby – a Peppa Pig stuffed animal and a Zoe and Elmo bus. I think this activity was much easier for them. I guess because they changed the age group almost in protection of their own greed.
The last activity my children assist with is Toys for Tots. One of our local restaurant stops has the bins in the lobby. It is fun to see the boxes start to fill up over the month and the girls love to see what gifts are in the boxes.
Each of these opportunities is a chance for us to explain to our children how someone else is not as lucky as them. Those children in need may only get one present this year. Every time we have this conversation, even writing this sentence, brings tears to my eyes. (More on that personal connection next week.)
I believe teaching my children to give with an open heart is one of the most important skills we can teach them, along with compassion, kindness, and confidence.
Please share how you help your children learn the spirit of giving…..
My parents have a tradition with their grandchildren to encourage giving to something that is meaningful to them. They give $200 to my kids and $200 to my brother’s kids and it’s up to them to decide how to give it away. It’s great to see where the conversation goes each year. My boys have split between local and national charities. One year my niece bought toys and delivered them to a children’s hospital. Every year is different!