I’m so happy to welcome Jenn, of Jenn’s RAQ, to the blog today! Her guest post reminds us to stop and take a moment to remember what the season is all about. Thanks Jenn!
The holidays are upon us. I still can’t believe how fast time has flown to get us to this point of the year! December is a great month to begin traditions with our kids that will help teach them about giving, gratitude, and love. There are so many ways to do this that I’ve compiled a list of my favorites.
- Feed a Family – Depending on the age of your kids, you may be able to volunteer as a family at a local soup kitchen or food pantry. If your little ones are too young to help with the folks directly, you might see if you could still assist with sorting or packing of food packages or supplies at the location. Another option would be to collect and donate non-perishable items. Have your kiddos set a goal (25 cans? 50 bags of pasta?) and give them the tools and confidence to achieve it and donate the food. Think of how amazing they will feel when they can take ownership of this simple act!
- Make Goodies for a Neighbor – Even if you’re like me and tend to be a hermit, this is the perfect time of year to put your social anxieties aside (I’m talking about me again, sorry.. hehe) and do something sweet for someone in your own neighborhood! A batch of cookies, a homecooked casserole, some homemade Chex mix, or even a cute homemade holiday decoration are all great ideas on how to spread a smile and warm the hearts of others. This may be the only gift this person receives… you never know!
- Lend a Helping Hand – How about raking up leaves or helping to shovel snow for someone you know could use the help? Kids love to jump into work like this because, to them, the results are obvious. They can SEE how much they have done to help someone else. Helping an elderly person or couple, a disabled friend, a local church, or a single mom that just hasn’t gotten to it can be a HUGE blessing.
- Make Christmas Cards for Folks that Need Some Cheer – Send Cards to the Troops, to sick kids, to nursing home residents, or to fire fighters or police officers in your community! Find out if there are other ways to help.
- Host a Party or Playdate – Host an event where the “entry fee” is a donation of some kind. Let the kids pick a worthy cause and get started! Coats for kids? Diapers for a women’s shelter? Blankets for the homeless? Get creative and watch everyone benefit!
However you decide to help, you can be sure that this tradition will never be forgotten and you may find yourself (and your kids) looking forward to it all year! It may even spark a spirit of giving throughout the rest of the year, too.
Jenn is a wife and mother to three with one on the way. She is a born and raised Texan and blogs over at Jenn’s RAQ. She can also be reached on Facebook and Twitter. |
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what a great collection of ideas!
Love, love, love all these ideas!