Looking for a way to give back and teach your children the domino effect of kindness this holiday season? Consider taking a family trip to the pediatric until of your local hospital. Thousands of children will wake up in a hospital bed rather than their own home this Christmas. Spread the good cheer of Christmas by visiting them and bringing some gifts to brighten their day.
Dress up as Santa and his elves. Check with the hospital to see if Santa will be visiting the children at the hospital. If not, you can volunteer to be St. Nick. The rest of your family can be Mrs. Claus and the elves. You can hand out gifts that have been donated to the hospital and visit children who are too sick to leave their rooms.
Hold a toy drive. Collect stuffed animals to bring the hospital at the holidays and you will cheer up children easily. Stuffed animals offer comfort and friendly support to children throughout their hospital stay. You can also collect board games and activities for the children to play with visiting family members.
Make your dog a therapy dog. Get your dog trained and certified as a therapy dog and you can bring Fido to the hospital with you. Dress him up as a reindeer and just watch the children light up at his mere presence.
Make cards for the children. Have your own children and their classmates make and decorate holiday cards for the children. Knowing that other children are thinking of them can help sick children feel less alone and isolated. It’s hard to miss out on childhood activities, especially around the holidays.
Before visiting the hospital or collecting toys, be sure to call the hospital in advance to check on their rules and regulations. Anything you can do to offer support during the holiday season and throughout the year will be greatly appreciated by the children and their families.