The holiday season is just around the corner, and with kids who actually ‘get’ the concept of Santa, it’s becoming a struggle to keep Christmas from turning into a gift-getting extravaganza. Little Oats is obsessed with the idea of Santa, and has a list of things (some not-so-realistic) that she hopes to find beneath the tree. Now that she is getting old enough to understand some more complex concepts, we are searching for ways to reinforce what the holiday season is actually all about. We’re Christian, and the birth of Jesus is central to our beliefs, but I think everyone can agree, regardless of religion, that the holidays are an excellent time to focus on others. In a world that is so internally-focused, we’re using this time of year to teach Little Oats about loving other people. We believe that God loves everyone, and he put us on this earth to share that love with the people around us. So, if we can use our good fortune (being Canadian, relatively well-off, and healthy) to show others that they are truly loved, why wouldn’t we?

We are hoping to move a little beyond gift giving when it comes to our focus on loving other people. I find myself so wrapped up in WHAT the present I’m buying/making/giving is, that I tend to forget about WHY I’m actually doing it. So rather than creating lists a mile long of things to buy and people to buy for, we are making a list of ways that we can love other people this holiday season.

1. Volunteer together: There are always organizations who are desperate for volunteers around the holidays. Ideas we have considered include bell-ringing for the Salvation Army (what 3 year old doesn’t love a bell?), food sorting/food prep for the local food bank, visiting seniors at a long term care facility, wrapping gifts at the mall (in our city, these booths are staffed by volunteers, and proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Society), or signing up to sponsor a local family in need. Check with organizations near you for ways in which you can help.

2. Brighten someone’s day: It is so easy for kids to focus on the receiving end of the holidays. Spend an afternoon making cards, baking cookies, or drawing pictures, and think of people you can deliver these surprises to. Even at a young age, kids can feel the joy of giving to someone who is truly appreciative. There are so many people who are alone for the holidays who might need a little joy.

3. Make donations: Little Oats absolutely loves to go to Toys R Us, or look through the Sears Wishbook. Looking at toys makes her so excited, even if she doesn’t want the toys for herself. Toy drives are abundant this time of year, so get your kids involved in picking out toys to give to other kids. This is a great time to talk about those who are less fortunate, and to bless others through giving. Another good activity to do is sort through your kids’ toys. With Christmas coming, you know that they’ll be gifted some new ones, and it’s a good time to purge the old. While you’re making that Goodwill/Salvation Army box, help your little ones choose toys that aren’t just worn out, but toys that they truly think other kids might like.

4. Invite people to celebrate: There are always those who are alone during the holidays. We know single moms whose kids are spending time with their other parent, seniors whose kids are away on vacation, college students who can’t afford to fly home for winter break, and those who just don’t have anywhere else to turn. Whether you are having a big Christmas dinner, and can set one extra place setting, or you’re attending a family Christmas Eve church service and you invite some friends to tag along, extending an invitation to someone who might be feeling hopeless this season can go a long way.

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Are there other ways you focus on other people during the holidays? How do you get your kids involved in spreading joy?