Growing up, our family had lots of traditions. Some were fun and silly, others were a bit more serious. But there is one in particular that I never really learned to appreciate until I was older. Every year, in December, my grandparents would take a portion of what they would have spent on our Christmas gifts and set it aside for each of us to do a service project with. Sometimes we would combine it as a family and do a big service project, other times we each chose our own, but it helped remind us of what Christmas is really all about.
There is so much need around us, that so often gets overlooked except at this time of the year. With my mother working at a low socioeconomic school we get to see first hand some of the daily struggles of the children around us. For some of these children, their only meal is the one they get at school. Many don’t have coats or warm clothes for the winter. Others have difficult home lives, where the only safe place they have is the school. When I look at these poor children my heart aches for them. The opportunities to serve are endless. Look within your own community, the need is everywhere.
As a single parent I know money is tight. It’s hard enough to provide Christmas for your own children, let alone someone else’s. But this year, instead of getting your child one extra toy, why not take the money and find a way to help those in need. Help remind your child of the true meaning of Christmas. Help remind them how blessed they are. Your circumstances may be less than ideal, but there is always someone who is struggling even more. As you teach this beautiful lesson to your children, perhaps it will extend beyond this Christmas season, and maybe that is the greatest gift of all.