The holiday season is upon us. As we gather with our friends and family each year, we are reminded of the joy of the season — togetherness, memories and the joy of giving. What better time of year to impart the value of generosity to our children.
While the season often centers around receiving, it offers an opportunity to teach our kids the significance of generosity. Through activities like volunteering, donating toys and involving charity in their lives, we can not only enhance the festive spirit but also shape the future generations with virtues of empathy and kindness. After all, the joy of giving is the true essence of the holidays, and a gift of compassion is a great one to instill in our children.
Giving the gift of time
Many children associate the holiday with receiving, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to shift their focus to the value of giving. Volunteering during the holidays not only benefits the community but also fosters a sense of pride, helpfulness and a fresh perspective on the season for children. It can also bring families closer together during this often-stressful time.
Whether it is serving a hot meal to a hungry belly, packing food to be delivered to those in need or assisting in a community garden that gives people access to fresh and healthy ingredients, there are plenty of opportunities that offer a rewarding family experience.
Donating gently used toys
Donating toys is a wonderful gesture and this is a great time of year to clear out the old and make room for the new. Giving gently used toys to a child who may not have any is a beautiful act of kindness. Get your kids involved in the process. You can even do this in a fun way by writing a letter from the elves asking for assistance because they don’t have time to make enough toys. “Santa’s Little Helper” would probably jump for joy at the thought of their toys being delivered to other little kids around the world.
Incorporating charity
With the familiar buckets and bell-ringing elves outside retail stores, charitable donations are a common sight during the holiday season. This presents an excellent chance to instill in your child the importance of incorporating charity in their lives from an early age. You can educate them about the organization they’re giving to, where their donations may be directed and even take them down to volunteer or visit the location to witness firsthand how their contributions make a difference.
The holiday season offers numerous opportunities to nurture the spirit of giving and teach our children the invaluable lessons of compassion and generosity. Whether through volunteering, donating their toys, or introducing charity into their lives, we can teach our children the importance of making a positive impact on others and their communities. By embracing these meaningful traditions, we not only make the holidays more joyful but also help shape our future generations with values of kindness and empathy. Let us come together to celebrate the true spirit of the season and pass on this gift of giving for generations to come.
Rachel Caballero is the community development manager at TruWest Credit Union.
