WDYD to teach DC about generosity at Christmastime?

Sunflower777

Our DS is 2-1/2 and we're really looking forward to Christmas this year - I know he's going to have a ball opening presents and spending time with family.?

Of course, I want him to understand that Christmas is a time to give to others as well. I'd like to do something this year, maybe even start a yearly tradition, to emphasize that giving spirit.

?Any ideas for what would be appropriate for a 2-1/2 year old? The only thing I've thought of so far is buying a toy for Toys for Tots and having him come along to donate it, explaining that this will go to a little boy or girl who otherwise might not get any presents.?

I would love some other ideas... ?

?

ilovemygirls

There are usually 'giving trees' set up at shopping malls where you can choose a specific child to donate for (ie. 2yo boy).  That might be nice where you can start to explain that you'll be giving a gift to a little boy his age & maybe relate that to friends he has.

Leanie

What if you started a giving jar now. ?You two can throw extra change in there and then bring some out when you go shopping. ?Chances are you will see some Salvation Army bell ringers and your ds can easily drop in the coins.

Flem052204

My friend has always done something with her kids that we will start this year.  Right after Thanksgiving, she spreads a blanket out on the living room floor.  She tells her three kids that they must each pick three toys of theirs that they would like to donate to a needy child.  It takes all day.  The kids are all close in age so they often decide that they HAVE to have something a sibling set out.  They barter amongst each other--if one takes something off the blanket, they have to find something extra of their own to put out.  At 4 o'clock, the blanket gets folded up, all decisions are final and off they go to donate the toys to the Salvation army. 

When the kids were young, they spent all day tryiong to figure out which toys they could live without and wouldn't mind giving up.  Over the years, with maturity, they have learned the true spirit of the gesture.  They are now 9-11 years old and spend the whole day trying to figure out which toys some other child would really enjoy receiving.  It's kind of evolved over the years and has been a great (although slow!) lesson in generosity.

cornichon

I love Flem's idea.. I may try that one this year with my 3.5 year old. ?Last year ( when she was 2.5) I took her to the mall and we picked a name from the tree and bought for a little girl her age. ?She enjoyed shopping of the little girl and while I explained what we were doing, I think she just had a great time picking out presents just like she would for a child's birthday party. ?She did not really have to 'give' since the money was coming from me and she got to keep all her toys. ?It was a start though. ?When they are older ( ds is 5 months) I want us to volunteer at a soup kitchen for Christmas dinner. ?I truly feel that there is nothing that compares to truly seeing the need. ?

poochie

Flem052204:

My friend has always done something with her kids that we will start this year.  Right after Thanksgiving, she spreads a blanket out on the living room floor.  She tells her three kids that they must each pick three toys of theirs that they would like to donate to a needy child.  It takes all day.  The kids are all close in age so they often decide that they HAVE to have something a sibling set out.  They barter amongst each other--if one takes something off the blanket, they have to find something extra of their own to put out.  At 4 o'clock, the blanket gets folded up, all decisions are final and off they go to donate the toys to the Salvation army. 

When the kids were young, they spent all day tryiong to figure out which toys they could live without and wouldn't mind giving up.  Over the years, with maturity, they have learned the true spirit of the gesture.  They are now 9-11 years old and spend the whole day trying to figure out which toys some other child would really enjoy receiving.  It's kind of evolved over the years and has been a great (although slow!) lesson in generosity.

my brother does this but uses a small laundry basket...same idea but he makes them fill it up or mom & dad decide for them.