Christmas is the season for giving as a way to celebrate the Birth of Christ Jesus but how can we share the concept of ” it is better to give than receive” with our children during this season?

There are several ways that my husband and I have tried to share the concept of giving with our children and grandchildren. In this age of wanting much more than we need, it is an important concept to teach along with other Christian life skills so children can understand how joyful it feels to give and share with others.

Here are some of the ideas we have done over the years:

1. Several years ago my grandchildren gave up the price of one gift and instead helped us to choose a child to adopt through World Vision. They chose a girl whose birthday and whose age was the same as our granddaughters and every year they exchange pictures. Our grandchildren talk about Sarah and have read stories and books about the area in Africa where Sara lives. It has become a prayer for her safety and her for the safety of her family and though we may never see her in person, she has become a part of our family especially during the holiday.

2. When our son was in grade school, he wanted to pick a child off the angel tree. We bought gifts above what the boy on the card had requested because my son had such fun picking things out that he would have liked. It became a tradition to choose an angel child every year. Again, we will never meet each child, but the fun in knowing we have worked together to give gifts to a special child was a life lesson about giving without receiving.

3. Another important way to share the giving concept is to have your children clean out the toys they no longer play with to share with the local shelter or to donate to those in need. It can be difficult to get kids to understand that sacrifice but it is well worth the time to share this great lesson.

4. Have your children or grandchildren pick out hats, gloves, and scarfs to give away to schools and shelters for children in need in the upcoming winter. Explaining the need to provide warmth for others helps kids to understand and be grateful for the winter clothing they own.

You may have done many of these ideas in your family or maybe you have other good ideas for sharing the concept of giving with your children. From buying gifts to baking cookies for the neighbors,the most important lessons are those that demonstrate the love of Jesus and there is no better time then giving to celebrate His birth during the Christmas season.