Teaching the true value of Christmas

This December, teach your children the true value of Christmas by giving back to your community.
 
The Christmas season is the perfect time to teach children the spirit of giving; lessons that can be revisited all year round.
 
It is easy for the younger generation to get wrapped in the commercialism of the season and miss the true meaning of the holidays when they are bombarded by the media and advertisements specifically targeted towards them.
 
Here are some ways you can teach children the true value of Christmas.
 
Find opportunities to volunteer
 
Whether it be collecting cans of food for your local food bank or distributing them to members of the community, it is important for children to see that not everyone is fortunate enough to have food aplenty at Christmas time.
 
Downplaying the gift giving factor
 
Gifts play an important part of the holiday season however encouraging your child to give a gift of 'time and talent' is a good introduction for kindling the spirit of Christmas.  Encourage each family member to contemplate how they can be of service to one another and exchange gifts of 'time and talents' in lieu of material gifts between siblings.
 
Helping the elderly
 
Simple acts of helping out a neighbour, sick relative or friend in need can help inspire the spirit of giving. Seniors who are isolated or don't have any extended family nearby will benefit from a visiting volunteer whether it be to share some time socialising or receiving help with odd jobs in their home. Likewise, a neighbour recovering from an illness or injury could probably use some help with meal preparation, or domestic chores or an incapacitated pet owner may appreciate an offer to walk their dog.
 
Other ways to help
 
Arrange a food, toy or clothing drive in your community to teach your children about charity and the joy of giving. A 'drive' for specific items such as teddy bears, pyjamas, books or shoes can be a very successful add-on to the traditional food or toy drive.
 
Limit the number of gifts for each family member and donate the money to charitable organizations that offer aid to families in third world countries.
 
Donate gently used books