To help my children think beyond what they will be “getting” for Christmas, we started doing a “Christmas Jar” a few years back to help them serve others during Christmas. We use an empty canning jar for our “Christmas Jar” and fill it up with loose change throughout the year. Then as Christmas draws nearer, our family chooses a needy family with children similar to their ages (so it will really hit home) and have our children purchase gifts for them. Some of the gifts are toys and some are more practical items, like clothing or food.
Now, I know that Christmas is not for a while, but this is a task that I recommend you begin early (which is why I’m posting this now to persuade you to get started asap) in order to save up enough money to really make a significant contribution. We encourage our children to donate some of their allowance or even do extra chores to earn money to add to the Christmas Jar. I have LOVED doing this with my own kiddos because it teaches them to think of others and children who might not be getting as much as they will for Christmas.
What do you do to encourage your children to think of others during the holidays?
Kelli France
Kelli France is a busy woman! Her degree in Elementary Education comes into play as a mother of three, baby photographer, and online mentor to photographers. She loves what she does because it gives her a creative outlet. Kelli also likes to read (including lots of parenting books!), rock her aerobics class, and enjoy weekly date nights (for her personal sanity) with her husband. She currently resides in Colorado Springs.
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