Help Your Children To Be Gift Givers and Not Just Gift Receivers

As we approach Christmas Day, we, as parents, spend a lot of time thinking about and planning what to get our children for Christmas. We want our gifts to be very special for them. But consider this: God gave us His Son Jesus as the greatest gift for mankind. God loves us so much that He is a giver! During this holiday season, what about spending just as much time and effort teaching your children about being givers of gifts?

Gift giving involves quite a bit of caring and planning. First, select someone for whom your children can purchase a gift this Christmas. That person can be a relative or someone who does not have a family. Or is there someone in the hospital?

Second, have them find out what the person would like as a gift. That involves getting to know the person deeply, not just in a casual or random way. What are this person’s likes and dislikes? If the person enjoys music, find out what specific kind of music.

Third, gift giving involves taking the time to find and purchase the appropriate gift. Where can that special gift be purchased? Is it available online or do you have to actually go to the store to purchase it?

Fourth, the gift should be wrapped with festive paper and ribbons, to make it look colorful, attractive and appealing. This also takes time to select the specific paper and other ornaments to go on the package and then to carefully and lovingly wrap it.

Fifth, have your children add a special name tag or card to the gift. Encourage them to use their creativity in creating and drawing the images. This can be a whole project in and of itself.

Sixth, set aside that special time when your children can give the gift. Make it unique. And, remember to carefully observe the response of the person receiving this gift and the tremendous joy it brings.

Your children will remember these exceptional times and gifts. They will also learn to be generous and to love and care about others, rather than just focusing on themselves.