This year we have been attempting to help the boys learn that Christmas time is not just for getting, but for giving. Now, when we pass by a Salvation Army volunteer ringing a bell the boys get all excited, shouting “there is one of Santa’s helpers!” (or as Marcelo says, “There’s Santa!). =) They are eager to share some of their change into the red bucket, ring the bell, and share with those in need.
We also bought some ducks from the World Vision gift catalog…helping a family in somewhere like Bangladesh that has been flooding a lot. This way…even if it rains, the ducks can still survive since they can swim! Ethan has asked if duck eggs taste like chicken eggs…any answers anyone?? I told him I thought probably pretty close. =)
The biggest “hands on” Christmas “giving” we did though was help put together the Christmas food baskets at our church. What a delight! 16 kids and 8 adults worked hard on putting the 60 boxes together. There are so many people going through hard times. And I want to be a part of the solution and help. And I want my kids to be as well. I don’t want Christmas, or any other time of the year, to be an “all about me” time. I want to teach my kids, and remind myself, that there are people in NEED; people who don’t have food, shelter, or warmth…living RIGHT HERE. We can be a part of the solution and be a blessing. AND by helping it brings perspective to our own lives.
Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have given us. Please help us to be mindful of them. And please help us to be ready at any time to be a blessing to those around us going through hard times.
Merry Christmas Eve to all of you!
Michelle
