Our Mommyhood

Best Friends Forever

Usually this time of year brings on thoughts of what we’re going to buy the family, and what we want ourselves this Christmas. I think it’s important to not lose sight of what this time of year is really about. Shouldn’t it really be about giving back to others less fortunate and helping those in need? Many people are hurting in these difficult times, chances are that you may be struggling as well. By taking the time to invest in others you can teach your children the true meaning of Christmas and pick up your own spirits.

Charity for others

Teaching your children about charity is something that is really a year round process but can be especially poignant at Christmas time. Explain to them about the hardships that others suffer and how you can do your part to help. One of the ways you can get involved is to find a local charity through your community. Visit the soup kitchen at your church or go to a local nursing home. You can have the kids participate by baking some cookies or working with them to sing Christmas carols. Through spending time with those less fortunate you can instill important values that will stick with them well after the holidays.

Girls receive news coats & teddybears

Donations

There are several ways to be a part of donations during the holiday. You could go through your own belongings and take clothes, toys or other home accessories to your local goodwill. Get the kids in on it by having them choose which items that they will donate and you can deliver it with them so they can see the fruits of their labor. Another idea is to have them donate part of their allowance to the charity of their choice or start a family change jar that is solely for donations. One of their presents could be a donation made to an organization like the Salvation Army. Make it a family tradition!

Getting involved in community

There are always people in need right in your back yard or maybe at the church that you attend. Have your family get involved by helping the elderly or disabled with yard work or meals. Suggest a toy and clothing drive and get the neighborhood involved.  See what charities that your church is working with and offer to host events or to help in other ways. Let them know that you and your family are available to assist during the holidays. Check with your child’s school to see if they are accepting gifts for needy families or school supplies for underprivileged kids, then pick out a gift with your child to donate to them.

Buy Green!

Recycling

An important way that you can teach your family to give back is to teach them the importance of recycling. You can’t get more neighborly or charitable than to help to save the earth! Work with your family to create recycling bins and have the kids help to decorate them. During the holidays we create a lot more waste than usual, so be especially vigilant about recycling wrapping paper and packaging from gifts. Rather than giving nothing but new items, encourage your children to give their time instead by creating coupons for chores or babysitting as a gift, or baking goodies and “wrapping” them in brightly colored cloth napkins (with another 3 tucked inside).

Christmas time inherently brings out the giving spirit in everyone. By using this time of year to express the importance of charity within your family, you can make it an even more meaningful holiday. Use giving to others as a way to lift your mood this holiday and to bring new traditions that your family can experience for years to come!

Author Mary Thomas is the mother of four, and loves the music of the holidays most of all. Mary uses this Christmas songs site as a great source for lyrics for all the traditional songs and hymns, from Jingle Bells to Angels We have Heard on High.

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