A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Christmas Celebrations with Kids

Christmas, adorned with the laughter of children, is similar to a festive sky studded with stars—magical, bright, and full of wonder. The anticipation of children making it to Santa's 'Good List' and the sheer joy of tearing open presents the moment they receive them paint a canvas of pure delight throughout the season. While you plan the merriest Christmas for your kid, you might not want to miss out on also embracing the true essence of Christmas, which is the joy of giving.

7 ways to encourage your children to be generous this Christmas

‘Tis the season of celebrations, the best time to involve your little rockstar in the spirit of generosity. Wondering how?

1) Santa's Little Helpers in Action

The true essence of Santa is love and selfless giving to all, but unfortunately, Santa can’t reach every child. In the heart of Christmas, your little one can bridge that gap, extending the love and selflessness of the season. This is the perfect time to encourage your child to share their toys, books, and clothes with a less fortunate child. Turn this into a family affair, imparting the invaluable lesson of sharing blessings with those in need.

2) Teach Them the Importance of Empathy

Amidst the festive glow, it's crucial to open your child's eyes to the broader spectrum of society. Let them see the gaps and guide them on how their kindness can fill those voids. Given the chance, children are naturally compassionate souls. Embrace the opportunity to instill a sense of reality, teaching them empathy and the importance of giving back to others facing deprivation.

3) Craft a Wishlist Together

Once the spirit of kindness ignites within your child, sit down and create a wishlist together. Let their imagination flow, and be blown away by the ideas that your little one comes up with. Create a wish list that includes both their desires and items that could bring joy to others. Discuss the importance of each item and emphasize the impact it could have on someone's life.

4) Share Christmas with a Local Orphanage

No child should endure sadness during Christmas. Team up with your kid and share your celebrations by visiting a local orphanage. Sing carols, set up a tree, and remember that wishlist you crafted? Witness the magic unfold as you hand out gifts, distribute sweets, and watch Christmas charm multiply through the sparkling eyes of children longing for your love. These are the values your child eventually ingrains from you.

5) Sponsor an Orphan Child’s Needs

You are the torchbearer for your child’s journey towards kindness. So, don’t let the meaning of Christmas be limited to mere celebration. Make it a tradition to donate to an orphan child’s school supplies or their education, instilling a sense of ongoing kindness in your children. Let Christmas be the spark that ignites a lifelong flame of generosity.

6) Donate a Care Package to a Family.

Many families face a hard time during Christmas. If you are one of the privileged ones, work together to assemble care packages with essential items, snacks, and festive goodies. Involve your children in the process, from selecting gifts to wrapping them with care. Knowing that they've played a role in bringing joy to another family leaves a lasting impact on your children, giving them a taste of the joy of giving.

7) Set Up a Gratitude Jar

Initiate a gratitude jar with your family. Throughout the holiday season, encourage everyone to write down things they are thankful for and moments of kindness they've experienced. On Christmas day, read these notes together as a reminder of the joy found in generosity and gratitude. Make sure you preserve these notes and make your Christmas even better next year.

A family that performs kindness together stays together! This Christmas with your children should not just be about gifts but also about kindness and selflessness. You’d be surprised by the compassion these little ones hold, and when they start young, they grow up into responsible and caring individuals. Isn’t that what every parent wishes for?

Here’s how we, at GfG, are doing our part for Christmas 2023. We aim to provide school supplies to every child who wishes to study but doesn’t have the opportunity to do so. YOU can join us in giving them that opportunity and start your Christmas-giving journey. After all, that’s what Christmas is all about!

Team Giving for Good wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Exclusively written for the Giving for Good Foundation by Bhairavi Hiremath