I'm sure most parents have seen a Christmas list prepared by their children. As soon as the holiday season is approaching, we see lists of items they want for Christmas. Parents can teach so much by helping their children make a "giving list" for Christmas as well. They can make a list of their family members, grandparents, neighbors, friends etc. and plan what they will give as gifts.
Money doesn't have to be a limiting factor. Children can give homemade gifts, items they've baked with their family or even gifts of time and talent. Grandparents love homemade items or pictures. My girls made their grandmother a memory board for pictures of her grandchildren. They could give an older person a card good for snow shoveling or lawn mowing. They can give a sibling a favorite toy they've outgrown. A young man I know gave his little sister his DS and she was truly excited. Older siblings can give younger ones the promise of a fun outing.
One of our own family's traditions has been a family shopping trip where we divided up and helped the younger children shop for siblings and parents. Younger kids had a budget of funds we had given them. As they grew older, they used their own money to purchase family gifts. Meaningful giving should really involve some sacrifice on the giver's part.
Children can also learn to give with grace. In other words, giving freely and expecting nothing in return. You can help them find opportunities to do this by giving charitable gifts in secret. An example would be by taking part in the giving tree at church or the community Christmas program. When shopping for the recipient, take time to discuss what these gifts mean for both the recipient and your own child.
Our children should have the fun of making their own Christmas wish list. But I challenge you to help them to make their "Giving List" as well. They may find that by completing and following through on their giving list, they actually gain more satisfaction than when opening their own gifts. Isn't giving what Christmas is really about?
