I almost blew it with my 4-year-old grandson the other day. I don’t remember how the subject came up, but here’s how it ended.
Me: Some children don’t have any presents at Christmas because their parents can’t afford to buy any.
Little Man: It’s okay, Nonna. Santa will bring them.
Me: Ooops. (cough, cough) He certainly will, little one. He certainly will…
If you’ve visited here many times, you know that I adore children–especially little ones–and Christmas with children is one of my favorite times of the year… so today I’ve chosen A Child’s Christmas as the theme.
Elements to consider:
- Child-made ornaments and crafts
- Teddy bears
- Trains
- Red wagons
- Holiday story characters
- Candies and gumballs
- Child-friendly nativity sets
- Shatter-proof ornaments
- Easy-to-string garland
Of course, you could go “all out” and use antique toys… but that takes a lot more planning–and scavenging–unless you already have them.
Children add so much excitement, honesty, and acceptance to what, for too many, has become a stressful, two-faced celebration of excess. You simply cannot duplicate the look of pure joy on a child’s face on Christmas morning, can you?
But you and I have “been around the block a time or two,” and we know better. Santa can’t make it to every child’s house on Christmas Eve.
He needs helpers!
So let’s help! It’s not too late…
Put on that Santa hat, jingle those car keys, and start singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. You’ve got the entire weekend ahead of you!
- Go to the mall, Wal-Mart, Target, your local church–anywhere they do Angel Tree (or something similar) and see if there are any names of children still hanging on them. Children who probably won’t have Christmas this year unless YOU take their name and shop for them. If you live near me, the tree outside Kohl’s in the Morristown mall still has waaaay too many children’s names hanging on it. I just took care of 1- and 4-year-old boys, but it broke my heart to walk away and leave so many little ones still waiting for Santa’s helpers.
- Contact your local child services department and see if there are any children recently added to their list who still need Christmas presents.
- Ask any foster parents you know if there’s something you can do to help make Christmas special for their family.
- Give a monetary gift – or another one – to your favorite children’s charity. If you don’t have a favorite, I invite you to join my family and give to Hope Unlimited for Children. And if you don’t know why it’s my favorite, I hope you’ll read about it.
Little Man and Little Sir are learning early to be Santa’s helpers. I know the pics aren’t great, but they communicate: This was their gift to Renaissance Man and me last Christmas. When possible, they pick out little boys their same ages…
Oh, how we love “receiving” this present! Their Mommy and Daddy know it’s the only one we want, so they help the boys do this in our honor. I can hardly wait to see who’s getting what this year!
Have you ever asked for a gift in your honor at Christmas? Try it… You’ll like it!
This post is part of my Themes of Christmas series. Previous themes are listed HERE. Sign up to get new ones delivered via email!
I’m joining Spiritual Sundays at Blogger Spirit and Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.
Great lesson, Susan. We started taking our son to shop for others when he was a very little boy. When he was a teenager with his first job, I learned from someone that he was seen leaving bags of food and gifts on the porch of a challenged coworker. I can still cry over the memory. Now he teaches his son. My heart is full.
Oh, Beverly, I can only imagine what you must have felt to be told about your son’s quiet generosity! What a beautiful story of him being God’s hands to others — and now teaching the next generation. Shouldn’t that be every parent’s goal? Well done, my friend!
Just saw a story on the morning news about a young man of maybe 11 or 12 years who has started a campaign to collect blankets, coats, hats & gloves for people who check in at the homeless center in downtown Kansas City. What a great kid! His parents were very proud of his efforts and you could tell he grew up in a home where the parents put emphasis on GIVING as well as getting. There was also a story on about the secret Santa from the Kansas City area who goes around giving out $100 bills, I think he does it all over America, not just here in KC. The look of joy (and relief, in some cases!) on people’s faces: PRICELESS!!! I don’t have money to give out, but I sure make it my mission to spread joy in other ways…and not just at Christmas.
Love your story of the kid in KC, Alycia! It really does take all of us doing *something* to make a difference, doesn’t it?