5 Ways to Help Kids Give at Christmas

Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. Or is it?

When you’re a kid, it can quickly become the hardest time of the year. Lists are made, hopes are high, sugar is abundant, sleep is scarce, nerves are on edge, and meltdowns abound.

We want the very best for our kids. Sadly though, in an attempt to give our kids the very best, we can unintentionally teach that Christmas revolves around them. Greediness and selfishness can creep their ugly heads into the sweetest of hearts. 

There is no better time than right now to remind kids, and ourselves, of what Christmas is all about – what God demonstrated that first Christmas – giving the purest of love with an unselfish heart that can never be matched.  

This year, let’s commit to help our kids follow God’s example. Let’s bring it all back to His intent—to show love. Here are a few ideas to get you started on this path.

1. Bring joy to someone who has had a tough year. (That shouldn’t be too hard this year!) Make cards and handmade ornaments to give to neighbors, people living in nursing homes, and others who might feel forgotten. 
2. Encourage kids to shop for a child who might not otherwise receive gifts. As you shop, challenge your child not to point out things that he wants. If this happens, and it probably will, steer your child back onto the path of giving.
3. Let your child do chores to earn money to buy gifts. She’ll discover the joy of giving from her own money can be even greater than receiving!
4. Take your child grocery shopping for food to donate to a food pantry or to take to a family in need.
5. Challenge your child to secretly do good deeds for family members during the month of December (and beyond)! Teach them that the truest gifts of love are done without praise or the expectation of receiving something in return. 

Enjoy this time teaching your kids and reminding yourself about what makes this truly “the most wonderful time of year!”

Blessings my friends!