Have you heard the new Christmas song by Matthew West and Amy Grant called Give this Christmas Away? If you are inspired to give Christmas away, here are some ideas to help you get started.
Fill a Shoebox
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Can You Spare a Dime?
You know that spare change you find on the floor, behind the sofa cushions, in the dryer, and at the bottom of your purse? Throw it all into a container throughout the year – you’ll be surprised by how it adds up! In December, you can give the money to charity, buy a gift for Toys for Tots, or just dump it all in the Salvation Army kettle.Give Your Time
Of course, one of the messages we want to send our children is that Christmas isn’t all about gifts. Sharing gifts is awesome, but sharing time and love can have even more of an impact. Invite an older neighbor to join you and your children to make Christmas cookies or fudge. Offer to babysit so some young parents can go Christmas shopping or have a night out. Invite international students from your local college or university to join your family for Christmas dinner. Visit a nursing home and spend time with the residents, playing a game of checkers or painting the ladies’ fingernails.Share Your Talents
A couple years ago I took up knitting. I don’t have much time to knit, but for a while I was whipping out quick scarves for everyone in my family. This year, my daughter has asked me to teach her to knit and to sew. If you have a talent like knitting, sewing, or baking, share those talents with others. Simple fleece blankets, scarves and hats are easy for young hands to help you with and are always welcome at homeless shelters in the winter.Shop for Others
Do you go to any parties that have a gift exchange? It’s fun to see the gifts people give each other, but do any of us really need the things we bring home? Instead, have a party where everyone brings gifts for a charity. You can still have the fun of exchanging and opening the gifts, but no one goes home with another bottle of lotion or Christmas ornament. For children, have a Birthday Party for Jesus and have the children bring baby items that you can give to a women’s shelter. What are some ways you and your children have found to give Christmas away?How can families give Christmas away?
Families can give Christmas away by serving others through shoebox gifts, spare-change giving, time with neighbors or nursing home residents, handmade gifts, and charity-focused parties. The article centers on generosity children can help practice.
What is a simple charity project children can help with?
The article suggests filling a shoebox with toiletries, toys, and school supplies for a child in need. It is simple enough for children to help choose items and understand that Christmas giving can reach beyond their own home.
How can kids give when they do not have much money?
Kids can give spare change, time, handmade items, or practical help. The article reminds families that sharing time and love can have as much impact as buying gifts.
What are family-friendly ways to serve during Christmas?
Families can invite an older neighbor over, babysit for young parents, welcome international students, visit a nursing home, make simple handmade items, or bring gifts for charity instead of exchanging extras they do not need.
Stacey Schifferdecker is the happy but harried mother of three school-aged children—two boys and a girl. She is also a freelance writer, a Children’s Minister, a PTA volunteer, and a Scout leader. Stacey has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and French and a Master’s degree in English. She has written extensively about parenting and education as well as business, technology, travel, and hobbies.
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I loved this piece it was so touching. I borrowed your title though for my Christmas series. I hope you don’t mind it was just too apt.
I also tweeted the article.
BR