The Spirit of Giving

The holiday season can be a fun and exciting time of the year. Many people get so wrapped up in the material aspects of the season that they forget that the holidays are about the spirit of giving rather than the actual gifts. Teach your children about the spirit of giving and how rewarding it can be to look for, make and wrap something special or do something special for the people they care about and for those who are in need. Gift giving will always be a part of the holiday season. Giving can teach children to consider other people's feelings.
Show your children that the holidays can be a wonderful time of the year, not just a time to worry about shopping. Remind them that it is more important to receive a few thoughtful gifts than piles of presents. You can help to change your child's prospective on the holiday season by teaching them what it means to give and receive all year long!

Adapted from Kidshealth.org. Reviewed by Barbara P. Homeier, MD Dec. 2004