Nurturing Gratitude: How to Get Kids to Appreciate the Spirit of Christmas

Countless Christmas traditions revolve around giving and receiving gifts. But as parents, we often seek a deeper connection for our children, one that fosters a true appreciation for the season's spirit. By engaging them in meaningful activities and setting examples of gratitude, we can guide our kids to understand the joy of giving without solely focusing on material rewards.

Involve Them in Service Work

The essence of Christmas lies in the spirit of giving and the joy of sharing with others. Encouraging your children to be part of this meaningful process can teach them the value of empathy and generosity. Whether it’s through church-led service projects or community-based initiatives, involving children in making a difference can be profoundly impactful.

Local Service Projects and Neighbors in Need

For example, many churches engage in projects that distribute gifts to underprivileged children. Even if your community doesn’t participate in such programs, a quick online search can uncover numerous opportunities to get involved. Here are some ideas:

Helping an elderly neighbor with chores or homemade cookies Adopting a needy family and shopping for individual children as a group activity Participating in a community clean-up or disaster relief effort Collecting donations for a local children's hospital during the holiday season

During my time teaching fourth grade, one unforgettable Christmas project involved shopping for the single-mom bus driver’s children. My students were thrilled to see real children benefit from their generosity. Similarly, even in areas unaffected by natural disasters, unique community needs can be identified and addressed.

Practicing and Expressing Gratitude

Gratitude is not just about saying "thank you," but it’s about developing a mindset of appreciation. Encourage your family to practice gratitude and express it verbally, especially in front of the children. This can be as simple as acknowledging the blessings in your home:

“Aren’t we lucky that we have a warm home and food in the fridge?”

However, it’s crucial not to lecture. Instead, provide opportunities for children to participate in meaningful service, allowing their hearts to become fuller. Sharing a richer experience will likely yield a deeper gratitude than uncomplicated lessons.

Advent Activities and Christmas Traditions

Another enriching tradition is setting up a Nativity scene over Advent. Each day, move the figurines closer to their final destination, day by day. This can be a fun and interactive way to engage children, making the story more memorable and meaningful. We found it entertaining to let the wise men get lost in a closet under the dining room table, and gradually bring them closer to their goal. The ultimate surprise of the baby Jesus’s appearance on Christmas morning and the final figure of the shepherd on Christmas Eve adds an exciting element to the celebration.

Homemade Gifts for Loved Ones

Starting a few weeks before Christmas, consider the joy of making gifts for grandparents and teachers. Simple yet memorable crafts can be quite effective. One incredible idea is to cut up old Christmas cards to make a collage, then print over it with a cookie cutter dipped in glue and sprinkled with glitter, followed by clear sticky plastic to laminate the gift. Another favorite was creating a calendar of school artwork from the year.

Dating the Past Year’s Treasures

A couple weeks before Christmas, it’s a good time to go through the toys and clothes to determine what can be donated, thus "making room" for the new stuff coming in. This habit instills the value of sharing and donating to those in need. A fun addition is to create a 'treasure hunt' for the main gift, saving on wrapping paper while making the gift-giving experience more exciting. The clues can increase in complexity as the children grow older, fostering a sense of anticipation and adventure.

These activities and traditions not only create lasting memories but also teach children the values of giving, gratitude, and service. By nurturing these aspects, we create a more meaningful and memorable holiday experience for our children.