Everyone falls prey to it......and we have to have a plan on how we will teach our kids to look beyond themselves around the holiday times or they (and we as parents) will easily be swept up in the mentality that we need "stuff" and lots of it, in order to be happy!
I thought I would offer a few suggestions. Some of these ideas I have done with my family, and some I have heard suggested by others but have not yet tried out. This is by far not a complete list. If we use the creative brains that God has given us, I am fairly certain we can all come up with wonderful ways to look beyond ourselves.
What I am suggesting is that if we begin to look at the needs that others have......both in our own neighborhoods and globally, I am fairly certain that our own selfishness will fly out the window.
1. Operation Christmas Child: This wonderful organization distributes thousands upon thousands of shoeboxes filled with little gifts to children all around the globe, many in third world countries where the children would never have received anything for Christmas. In addition to the gifts, they also share the love of Christ in the children's own languages.
How to do this? Have you child pick out both toys and hygiene items for a child that is his or her own age. You choose a boy or girl and age- range and fill up the box! You attach a check for $7 to cover the shipping and drop them off at a participating church or a distribution center that is located all over the country. My family has participated in this event for years since before Ellie could even understand. It is neat to be able to choose gifts for someone else and in turn, teach your own children that there are more people out there that we can bless! We have even done packing parties in the past.....they will remain some sweet sweet memories in my mind!
2. Samaritan's Purse: Yes, this is the same organization that is listed above. But, this Christian organization does more than pass out shoeboxes. Every year they offer a "gift catalog" where you can go through and purchase an item for a family in another country. Gifts include such things as goats for milk, water purification systems, chickens for eggs and livelihood, milk for children for a week etc. Gifts range everywhere from $50 to $300. I have given gifts in people's honor on different occasions. But, the most meaningful thing we have done with our kids was having Ellie choose something from the catalogue to give with her own money. She chose a little stuffed lamb that the organization distributes to children who have been through large natural disasters. It was so wonderful to have her reach into her piggy bank and give me a $5 bill so that a little child could be comforted. She was so excited to give!
3. Work at a local food bank or clothing distribution center. I have not done this with my children, but as a teenager I was able to work in a homeless shelter right in my own town on a number of occasions. It was an eye-opening experience to realize that there are people in my own town who do not have a place to live, food to eat or basically anything to call their own. I was there to "bless" them, but in the end I ended up being blessed.
4. Angel Tree: This is a new ministry to me, but one that we have chosen to participate in this year through my church. This organization is through the Prison Fellowship and they give gifts to children who's parents are incarcerated. Included with the gift is an actual note from their mom or dad. These gifts remind them of their parents love but also share the love of Christ with them as well. This year we chose a boy and a girl. In shopping for the little girl, my daughter and I had some very meaningful conversation about how she would feel if I or Greg were in prison. She has begun praying for this little girl and boy that they will have a good Christmas.
5. Nursing Homes can be very sad and lonely places. These men and women are no longer able to live on their own and many have been abandoned by the very family that put them there. Christmas can be a remarkably lonely time. I have been visiting nursing homes since I was in junior high school and have developed a real love for those people that are there. It can be an intimidating experience if you have never been but they are simply people like you and me. They deserve love and respect and some joy at Christmas time as well. You can simply go on your own to visit people and bring small gifts. You simply need to call ahead and talk to the director so they know to expect you. Or, you can organize a group of people who can do things like go Christmas Caroling. The last time I went was a few years ago in Ohio. We sang Christmas carols and simply help people's hands. I saw such joy and sparkle in their eyes. It can be a life-changing event.
6. One thing that was suggested in my Bible study group this year was to have your children choose one gift from under the tree that was meant for them, and to re-wrap it and give it to a boy or girl in need. Local churches will have names of families who could benefit from a gift or two this Christmas season. What a profound lesson to teach to children that I am sure would never be forgotten and in turn would bless someone else.
7. Another suggestion is to make something yummy for Christmas morning: some nice hot cinnamon buns or muffins perhaps.....and take them around to people who have to work on Christmas, just to show your appreciation for those who can not be home with their families. I think I might do this this year! How exciting!
8. A gift idea that can give back.....is an organization that I have been involved with in the past called WAR International. This organization is not simply for the holidays but for any time. They help place women in circle of protection against the sex trade by teaching them valuable life skills. They teach them how to make jewelry and what they make is GORGEOUS. By purchasing jewelry from this non profit organization you will be helping the most wonderful cause. This would be a great purchase for Christmas time.....jewelry with a purpose!
Whatever we do to teach our children (and ourselves) about self-LESS-ness in this holiday season of self-ISH-ness will be worth-while in the end. Feel free to use some of these ideas.....or use your creativity and come up with something catered to your own families. I think it is important that we go beyond what our culture teaches us about the holidays.....and not only to do "community service" or "ministry" only at Christmas and Thanksgiving times.....but it at least gives us a jumping-off point for the future!
love these ideas . . . we have done #1 every year since Andrew was born but we may try some of your other ideas this year too! I especially love #7!! GREAT thoughts and great ideas.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas Becky! This year our church has 6 deployed members. We bought things to send to them. My boys had fun picking out little things that the troops could use and enjoy.
ReplyDeletelovely ideas! We are sponsoring a child through Compassion Canada this year.
ReplyDeleteWe are also buying necklaces made by women in Nepal through our little man's JK class.
I know its been awhile since Ive had an update on our adoption process but guess what!!?? Feb 17th is our Happy Court date!!! PRAISE THE LORD! God is so good!!!!!!