I just love the holiday season and what it represents. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it literally invokes a warm feeling in my heart. But I didn’t always feel this way. I used to dread the holidays and had these feelings of anxiety and disdain for the so-called “most wonderful time of the year.” I just felt like people were focusing on all of the wrong things.
But then, I realized the problem was with me, I was not focusing on the reasons we are “supposed” to be celebrating this time of year—family, giving and service to others. And when I re-focused on those things, I began to enjoy this time of year so much more.
And that’s when I really became intentional about making sure my kids always looked forward to this time of year—and not because of the gifts that they were going to receive. I wanted them to enjoy the entire experience and all the holidays have to offer.
I want my kids to literally be excited about giving during the holiday season.
I want my kids to literally be excited about giving during the holiday season. And I’m teaching them this through examples that we are providing. I want them to see it’s not about how much money we spend on other people, but it’s more about the act of giving and serving. It’s about how we can bring joy to another person this time of year.
And so our kids get their very own shopping trip with me or my husband, so that they can pick out gifts for their siblings and grandparents. They love these special trips, and I love watching them ponder about what to buy their siblings.
We also find really creative ways to honor people in the community who give to us all year round, such as bus drivers, teachers, coaches and babysitters. Lastly, donating time and/or gifts to charitable organizations is something we do every year without fail—whether it’s a food bank, a senior home or giving to children overseas.
The kids and I are so focused on these activities that what’s on their actual Christmas lists comes secondary. It’s more about the Christmas traditions that we have established and the time that we spend together during the holiday.
Today is National Believe Day
What an amazing yet simple way to participate in giving with your kids!
This year, Macy’s will celebrate $100 million in total giving to Make-A-Wish® since 2003. That represents nearly three wishes granted every day for the past 13 years. More than 2.4 million people impacted in total.
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. That’s an honorable cause to support, and I’m happy my girls will be able to experience this and these other acts of goodwill.
Wishes make life better for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. This simple, but powerful belief inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish® and drives everything we do. ~ Make-A-Wish®
While gifts are still a part of their Christmas, I’m happy my girls are able to see the spirit of the holidays through a different lens and how great it feels to share “good tidings and cheer.”
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Macy’s. I’ve partnered with them to spread the word about National Believe Day, with is on December 9, 2016 and the awesome work they are doing with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation by granting millions of wishes