As the Christmas countdown begins, our children’s excitement escalates, fuelled by their wish lists to Santa, school playground chatter and constant toys and games adverts. Ask any child what they want for Christmas and you’re sure to get an eager reply.
But in all the excitement of what they hope they’re going to get, we need to instill in our children that the joy of Christmas is also about giving, not simply receiving. We can show our kids that by giving love, time and thoughtfulness, you’ll make other people happy - and yourself too. As parents, we can teach children the pure pleasure of giving, and that a gift doesn’t have to be an expensive, extravagant present but something that shows they’ve given thought and love.
Here are some suggestions for ways you can give the gift of giving to your children:
Set an expectation for older children that they will give thoughtful presents to parents and siblings. Stress that it's the thought, not the cost, that counts.
Alternatively, kids could give a kindness, like offering to help elderly grandparents with their garden or shopping on a regular basis throughout the year or helping decorate a younger sibling's bedroom.
At this time of the year, it's a good idea to encourage your children to sort out their bedrooms and make a pile of toys they've grown out of. You can donate them to your local community fete or older children could hold a street sale (with your close supervision) and donate the money to their chosen charity. Teenagers could accompany you to help out at your local homeless shelter, where a bed and hot meal are provided.