To be jolly, but also seems to be greedy, at least for little kids. Teya is still too young to really care one way or another about what she gets for Christmas, but how do we keep her from becoming a greedy gimmie kid in the years to come? If anyone has some advice in this area, I would greatly appreciate it. I want to know what you guys do to focus on the real meaning of Christmas with your kids and teach them that giving is more important than getting. (If you don't have kids yet, maybe share what your parents did to help you as a kid)
I was just thinking about this because my friend's niece just turned 11, and for her birthday party instead of asking for presents for herself, she asked her friends to bring presents for two families in the ward who needed some extra help. For the party the kids secretly delivered the gifts and then went back home for cake and ice cream. I was so amazed by that, I just kept thinking, how do I raise a kid like that? I came to the conclusion that obviously a big part needs to come from my example. I really get excited about my birthday and Christmas and usually have my "gimmie" list ready for Taber months in advance. So yeah, that's something I need to readjust. : ) But any other ideas you guys have that you use to teach your children about charity and giving, especially during Christmas would be much appreciated!
4 comments:
I know what you mean, Becca! I just went to an enrichment where a lady in my ward had an interesting idea on gift-giving - too long to share here, but I'll email you a copy of the handout she gave us, if you're interested.
I agree that all to often we get caught up in the commercial aspects of the holidays and forget what is really important. The last few years my husband and I have taken our girls with us to the store and picked out a nice meal (i.e. ham, potatoes, veggies, rolls, fruit, etc..) and then had them go with us to take it to the fool coalition. While we were there last year my oldest daughter saw some little kids her age there with their families getting food so they could have a nice dinner and it really drove it home for her that she is very blessed to have what she has. We have also had them pick out a toy at the store that they would like to play with and then had them donate it in the toy bins at Walmart or stores like that. Those are just a couple of ideas that are simple but can really send the message to young kids that there are a lot of people in the world that don't have all the things we do and that we should always be grateful for what we do have. Have a very Merry Christmas! P.S. Your little girl is adorable!
Good post, although I don't have an answer for ya! I always always have an "i want it all" list. I love reading what others have to say though! Great ideas.
What an amazing example that girl is! The fact that you're thinking about this while Teya's still young means she'll learn very well, from her great parents!
After several FHE's on the true meaning of Christmas, we sat down the family and decided on doing something a little different this year. We will be incorporating the 3 gifts the wisemen gave to baby Jesus, and hoping the presents received will have more meaning behind them, as each will represent either the gift of "love", "knowledge", and "joy". These are each gifts Christ has given us. We thought the kids would be bummed out about only receiving 3 gifts, but instead, they were great with the idea and are excited. Afterwards Luke said, "Getting presents is not what Christmas is all about". Yes!
Each December month we each add straw into a tiny manger one piece at a time for each act of service one does for another. The goal is to make a soft bed for Jesus come Christmas day. I leave a paper & pen beside it so they may write down their service. We'll read them Christmas Eve, and reflect on how it made us feel, the gifts Christ has given us, the gifts we'll give to Him, etc. and then lay baby Jesus on it.
My parents one year had us all give the gift of service to the family in whatever manner we chose. We got very creative and it was such a memorable Christmas!
I have another story we did for FHE recently about story, The Christmas Orange that touched my children about true kindness, selflessness & charity. I'll e-mail it to you. Could you please e-mail me the idea your friend said she'd e-mail you?
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