Memories and Teachable Moments

As parents we are always looking for ways to teach our children about the important things in life, like how to treat others with compassion or how to show mercy and grace.

Touch economic times often have the trickle down effect to the needy and less fortunate as caring citizen have less to contribute to their favorite charities. This year is a good example in many communities.

Despite this truth, parents across our nation can still take this opportunity to show our children how to care. Join us this year by becoming a Secret Santa for a needy child or family. Here is a great way to get started.

Call a family meeting to discuss the project, kids always respond better if they are included in the decision making process. After all, you are asking them to have fewer presents so someone else can have a present. You may be surprised at their enthusiasm and they may even have an idea about how to choose a family.

Local churches or the Salvation Army often have 'giving trees' or a program for needy families. The local mall is also a great place to check for these.

These resources will have the first name and age of each individual, which helps with gift choices. This also simplifies the process since they have done the work of finding those in need and they deliver for you... important since you are trying to be a 'Secret Santa'.

Once you know who you are buying for, the fun begins. Sit down with the kids and talk about what kinds of presents would be appropriate for these special people.

Perhaps you will decide to buy each of them a gift and fill their Christmas stockings, or maybe just fill the stockings and get the fixings for a Christmas dinner. Even a single gift for a child that might not get one otherwise, will teach compassion.

For a single mother or father that is just getting back on their feet, a small tree and the trimmings can be a wonderful gift that will make it feel like Christmas.

The shopping and gift wrapping should be a group event and can include a special lunch or dinner. Make a big deal out of the day so they remember it next year. How wonderful to have your child asking you about it next year, "let's be a Secret Santa again."

It doesn't have to be expensive for your family when you decide to be a Secret Santa. The important part is the opportunity to talk to your kids, about all that we are blessed with and those that are less fortunate.

Consider this, memories of childhood holidays often dictate how we feel about these events as adults. As parents we long to pass those feelings along to our children, to give them the gift of holiday memories that make the season special for the years to come.
The sights, sounds and smells of the holidays are everywhere this time of year. Now is the time to jump into spirit of the season and build some lasting memories with your loved ones!

Do you need some new ideas? Here are some suggestions to use or pass on.

o Have a separate Christmas tree for the kids. All of the decorations should be home made, they can be saved from year to year so the collection grows. This allows mom or dad to have the color coordinated, perfectly symmetrical tree without interfering with the decorating fun for the kids. Try to find something age appropriate and different to make each year. The local craft store will have kits or you can use your imagination. Try one of these this year.

1. Painted wooden ornaments, don't forget to have the kids put their name and the year on the back of their masterpieces. These are fairly small and have preprinted lines so even the young child can participate.
2. Felt ornaments, cut from sturdy felt and hand stitched together. Beginners can learn the sewing basics on these simple projects but will need some guidance. Permanent makers are best for adding the name and year to the back of these ornaments and they are available in many colors including silver and gold.
3. Shrinking art, they are painted with special paints and then you shrink them in the oven. These are available as larger plastic pieces in a kit or you can buy the plain plastic sheets so you can make your own designs. Either way they end up looking like small stained glassed ornaments, don't forget to cut out a hole for the hook or ribbon needed to hang your treasure on the tree... once you shrink them it is too late!

o Find a local church or organization that puts on an annual Christmas play or pageant. This is a great opportunity to dress up and go out as a family. Afterwards, go out for pie or hot chocolate and talk about the event. What was everyone's favorite part or actor? How was it different from last year? Kids love to give their opinion and this will help them to develop an appreciation for the arts.

o Make a birthday cake for Jesus and talk about the reason for the season. Maybe sing happy birthday and then set of the family nativity set or visit a community nativity set.

There are so many activities to chose from, just find something that your family will enjoy and together you will build memories for a lifetime... don't miss out on those teachable moments in your child's life!