The Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier each year with its clamorous chorus of “Buy! Buy! Buy!” We adults can usually tune it out when we want to, but the message is increasingly targeted at our children. With society so focused on the materialistic aspect of the holiday, how can parents begin to teach kids about the values of generosity and giving that underlay the true spirit of the season?
There are several simple and practical ways to help children begin to understand that Christmas is more about the giving than about the getting. Start by taking a quick tour of your child's toy collection. Nearly every child has neglected toys and playthings that are gathering dust. Spend a bit of time early in December going through the toys, and gather all of the unloved ones that are still in good shape. You may find a few dolls that don't quite suit your little girl's taste, a game or two that wasn't much fun, or craft sets that are sitting on shelf with no intention of being used. Sometimes these lonely items are remnants of past preferences or stages, sometimes they were well-intentioned but misguided presents, and sometimes they come from the children's own clamoring to have the latest faddish toy then finding that it wasn't as much fun as was advertised.
Wherever they came from, this is the perfect season to right the wrong. With the prospect of new toys right around the corner, many children can be coaxed (or even required!) to give up a few less than special items. These can be donated to children's charities, Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or even a local daycare or church children's program. Nearly any place where children need more than they have will fit the bill, and the toys that were taking up space in the toy box and lounging on the shelf will find new life in someone else's happiness. Your children (and your household) will benefit from freeing up needed space and the charity that you choose to bestow the toys upon will be pleased, too.
Along this same vein, some children's groups sponsor a “toy exchange.” Each child chooses two gently-used toys from their own collection to bring to the party, then gets to take one next-to-new treasure home. That will leave extra toys to donate to a charity that accepts used items. It's a great compromise for children who aren't quite ready to be altruistic in their donations, and it will still help you clear out the closets.
Many youngsters complain of boredom as the waiting and excitement of the coming holiday wear on them. One way to combat boredom is to get them started making holiday cards. Even the youngest kids can create greeting cards by tracing stencils, using stickers, coloring with markers or crayons and so forth, and older children can try out multiple artistic media. Whenever the spirit moves you throughout the holiday season, get out the art supplies and make a few more cards. A few days before Christmas, contact a hospital, nursing home or other care facility that would like to be the recipient of holiday cheer. Arrange for your children to visit briefly, and allow them to pass out their cards to the residents or patients. Consider taking an hour or two and actually visiting on Christmas Day itself. Most residents who have family and friends will have company or be out on this day, and the ones who are still in the facility will be the most isolated and alone. They will enjoy seeing the smiles and excitement of the holiday on your kids' faces, and your children will grow from the experience of taking a few moments out of their celebration to brighten someone else's day. It's a lesson in and of itself to set the new toys aside for just a little while to do this service, and your kids will discover how rewarding it can be.
Finally, make some time for holiday baking this year, and plan to make extra batches. Kids love to cook, and there are many, many willing recipients of treats like these. You can take the goodies to friends and neighbors, check community agencies for lists of shut-ins, or talk to the leadership at your church for names of persons who'd enjoy your efforts. Simple sugar cookies are inexpensive and fun to make, and if you add a bit of food coloring to the icing, you can really get creative with the decorations.
No matter what you choose to do, find some way to share your holiday cheer with others this season. You'll accomplish lots of goals with very little effort. Your children will learn a bit more about giving of themselves, you will see their growth and learning happen right before your eyes, and someone's day will be brightened. There's nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain. Make your plans today!
