It happens every year all over the world on Christmas Day. Children rush down to the tree to open presents and empty their stockings. As Christian parents, you try to teach your children at a young age that Christmas is about giving, but come Christmas morning, that idea has flown out of their heads, away with the reindeer! Here are some simple Christmas ideas for your family to start new holiday traditions of sharing the joy of giving. When you give to others, everyone feels the love.
Donating to a Shelter
Have the children go through their toys and clothes. Let them put aside the things they have not used in over six months, that are in good working condition when it comes to toys, and have no stains when it comes to clothes. Make a trip to a local shelter to donate your belongings. Your children will love the fact that have helped children less fortunate than them.
Homemade Keepsakes
If you cannot visit a relative that lives far away this year, consider creating a family video "visit" from your family to send to them. You could put anything on the video that you want. Some ideas would be to act out a family play of the Nativity Scene. Have everyone say hello and tell something really cool they did this past year. Be creative.
Volunteer Appreciation
Bake cookies for your local firehouse or police station. Prepare baked goods for the nurses and doctors at a local hospital. People sure like to feel appreciated for the hard work they do, and you have the perfect opportunity at Christmastime to let them know that your family thanks them.
Giving to Charity
Make a new tradition of donating money to a charity. It doesn't have to be much, just what you can give. Good charities that put your money to work include:
- World Vision
- IDES (International Disaster Emergency Services)
- Operation Christmas Child
Classroom Gift Giving
Instead of trying to make gifts for all the kids in the class, or come up with something that you "think" your child's teacher might like, consider giving a class gift of a hardbound reference book, a new computer program, or an aquarium. You might also consider asking other families to pitch in and buy a field trip for the class to take. If everyone puts in just a little, it adds up over 24 or so students!
Not only does starting new holiday traditions teach young children about the joys of Christmas giving, but it also gives the whole family a reason to celebrate. Jesus is the reason for the season, and by giving to others, we are helping to spread His love.
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