One Christmas several years ago my kids had a holiday experience that is never far from their thoughts when the calendar flips to December.  It is our tradition, each year around Thanksgiving we purge clothes that don’t fit, neglected toys, and blankets long forgotten.  All of this is necessary to make room for the next round soon to arrive.

This year in particular, I knew of a family with 2 boys and a girl (just like my family!) who might be interested in our items.  We made arrangements, and the five of us headed their way with a full “sleigh.”  My kids carried in load after load into a small one-bedroom home with a dirt floor.  It was very clean and well organized…but humble.  I watched 3 children laugh with smiles a mile-wide receive gifts in full appreciation from my children, as tears rolled down the Gibbs clan’s faces.  Unwanted stuff in our home miraculously transformed into Christmas miracles before our very eyes.

It is necessary for our children to experience the miracle of giving.  It is necessary for us, too!

Below, I’ve listed LOTS of ways you and your children can practice Christmas Kindness this year.  Pick out one or two and watch the miracle of giving transform your family.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Kindness ideas for your family:

• Donate children’s’ coats to Eveline Rivers Christmas Projects.
• Deliver canned foods to the High Plains Food Bank.
• Drop off toys for Toys for Tots.
• Donate toiletries or other needs to City Church for their Christmas boxes.
• Prepare a box for Operation Christmas Child.
• Contact any of these ministries and see what needs they have or how you can help out this Christmas! Mission2540, Eveline River’s Sunshine Cottages and Christmas Project, Downtown Women’s Center, Arrow, City Church, The Children’s Home, Faith City Ministries, Martha’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House, League House.
• Write a letter to overseas troops.
• Take a plate of cookies and a homemade Christmas card to your doctor’s office, library, church office, dentist office, Police Department, or Fire Station.
• Drive to a store that has a Salvation Army bell ringer just to donate (without going into the store to buy anything!).
• Take warm socks and Christmas cards to a retirement home, like Park Central.