I want my daughter to grow up in a household that is filled with gratitude but also called to give back (don’t we all?). I want to teach her to value experiences over things and quality time over quantity of gifts. I want her to know how good it feels to give to others instead of receiving for herself. But we also wanted her to experience the pure childhood magic of rushing downstairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought her and to tear into beautifully wrapped gifts.
If you’re looking for ways to get even the littlest of ones involved in giving back this holiday season, below are 10 great ideas to get started.
1. Send notes to families that go all out on their holiday decor
How often do you drive past a home in your neighborhood that just goes all out on their decor and your kids are elated to see it? Seriously joy filled to see the giant inflatable Grinch scaling your neighbors chimney or the entire fleet of reindeer scattered across the neighbors front lawn?
How many times have you let the homeowners know how much joy they’ve brought to your family? Probably never (if you’re like me). One of my favorite things in the world is admiring my neighbor’s Christmas decorations and lights when I walk Jack at night. There is just something so magical about a quiet walk at night with twinkling lights-am I right?
I don’t remember where I saw this idea but I love it–have your kids decorate cards to send to the people who go above and beyond in their holiday decor to spread some neighborly holiday cheer. Whether it’s the house with the inflatable Santa or the exceptional Christmas light show timed to music, grab their address next time you drive by and send them some snail mail. Maybe even bake some yummy cookies and leave them with the notes on their doorstep. I can guarantee it will bring joy right back to them.
2. Share the season with neighbors
Check-in on your elderly neighbor by delivering your holiday cards or some treats you baked as a family. We can never predict how others are feeling this time of year, and your simple presence with a quick visit or offer of Christmas cookies could be a bright spot in someone’s day—plus, you might get a new friend out of it.
3. Send toys back with Santa
This is one of my best Mama tips–each year, when Callie would write her letter to Santa, we would also find toys that we already have that we could donate to kids in need. We explained to Callie that Santa needed some “help” with getting toys each year and she could be his very special “Elf” by donating some of her gently used toys to kids in need.
We also participate in local toy drives every year. Callie goes with me to select the angel from the Salvation Army Tree, helps pick out the gifts, and also is there when we drop it off–I want to make sure she can be present for that feeling that giving brings.
When you check to see if your kids’ coats fits for the winter, donate any that are too small to a local winter coat drive, or start your own! If no one needs a new coat this year, consider buying a new one for the coat drive. If your budget doesn’t allow for a new coat donation–warm hats, gloves, and shoes are always in need.
5. Make care kits for people with out homes
In many places, it’s getting very cold. And there are many people without homes who need basic necessities. Having care kits in your car to safely hand out to someone you see in need can make a big difference in their day not to mention teach an immeasurable lesson about kindness to your kids. Pick up things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, gloves, hats, socks, tissues, feminine products, hand sanitizer, $5 gift cards to Starbucks or McDonalds, and lip balm to stick into a freezer bag or drawstring bag to hand out as needed. Have your kids decorate a holiday card with a kind message to tuck inside too.
6. Demonstrate immediate kindness
It can be easy (and necessary) to skip a charitable donation or a tip with any range of excuses during this time of year, but in a season where the economic difference is so stark, generosity can go a long way. Donate that dollar to the Salvation Army collector at the grocery store or give a gift card to your hair dresser, nail tech, barber, garbageman, dog sitter, or anyone else that “helps” you with your life. Showing your kids that you not only prioritize charitable giving this time of year but also value the service industry people in your life is key.
There are many local services and organizations that have a list of local families that could use a little help. Your child’s school might also be able to guide you to just the family that could use some extra Christmas spirit.
8. Send cards to a local nursing home
Callie and I normally volunteer at our local nursing home on Valentines Day but during the holidays, we also drop in. Many residents don’t have family who visits regularly—or can’t visit regularly this year. So this time of year can feel especially lonely. We love to send a handmade box of cookies or drop off cards to the facility. It really does bring joy to the people who made the community we’re living in what it is today!
9. Send a holiday card to a service member
This one has been a tradition in our family for years. The freedom to celebrate any holiday you choose is being protected by those who cannot be with their families during this season. A card of thanks and celebration or a care package are easy ways to teach appreciation and spread holiday cheer. Need ideas for care packages? Beef jerky, candy, gum, playing cards, breath mints, sunflower seeds, lottery tickets, magazines, and protein bars are always in our boxes.
10. Write a “thank you” to the unsung heroes of your life
Write thank you cards to service workers like your mail carrier, sanitation workers, bus driver, teachers, veterinarian, local police officers, and firefighters. These people truly keep our lives running so smoothly and a little appreciation goes a long way!
Bonus: Demonstrate random acts of kindness
We challenge Callie every year to brainstorm ways to show kindness in little ways every day, like paying for the Starbucks order behind us, paying off someone’s overdue balance on their school lunch account, planning a special gift for her teacher, or dropping cookies off for the staff at our local animal shelter.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are so many things you can do with your kiddos to model the spirit of the season, not only during the holidays but all year long. Only you know what works best for your family and what activities are age-appropriate for your children.
But just think if we all took some time during the holidays to think of others and to teach our children to do the same, I think the world would be a more joyful place for everyone.
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