The Gift of Giving

     It's December 1st! You know what that means? The countdown begins! Christmas is my all time favorite holiday and always has been. From the decorations, to baking, to family time and best of all, SANTA! Although, of course children are most excited for presents, I think it is SO important to teach them what Christmas is all about, the gift of giving.
     This December, Kayla and I have decided to host an auction to raise money for children in need. We will be using the proceeds to donate and go shopping for local charities and children in need. While being in the process of getting this together, it really breaks my heart to know how many children don't get to open even a single present on Christmas morning. How many children don't even have the bare essentials we take advantage of, every single day. So this christmas, while shopping for the less fortunate, we will be teaching our children what holiday cheer is really about.
     So this Christmas, I challenge you to teach your children the real meaning of Christmas. Teach them how important it is to find selflessness, at any age.
Here are a few ideas for you to get started:

1. Purchase gifts and donate at your local Toys for Tots. You can google the nearest drop off center in your area  or Toys R Us will usually have a drop bin you can leave them in right in front. Toys for Tots will disperse the items to children in need throughout your county.
2. Talk to your local churches and see if they have put a benefit together. The one near me has the child's name and age- and the gift they want. You can choose as many children as you want, purchase those items, and drop them off at the church,  for the children to open on Christmas morning.
3. Operation Christmas Child- Sending children in other countries the necessities, utilities and gifts they would love and need. You can visit the website to learn a bit more on it- http://www.samaritanspurse.org. But I have done a bit of research and found the quickest way to help. If you would like to pack a shoebox for the children, pack a small shoe box, refer to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/ for what to pack in it, and ship to 801 bamboo road Boone, North Carolina 28607. They ask that you send an additional $7 in the shoe box, to help them ship it off. You can also "build a shoebox" online, which is $25 and an additional $7 for shipping. This way, you choose the items that go into the box virtually, choose the gender and age group for the gifting, pay and they will even email you what country your box was shipped to!
4. Go through your own clothing, shoes and basic essentials and donate to your local homeless shelter. Show your child how to do the same. You can even ask all your family and friends to go through their items, for you to donate as well.

     There are so many different options and ideas you can do this Christmas to teach your children what Christmas is truly about. I hope these ideas helped you and you choose to do the same with your family this year! To be apart of the challenge Kayla and I are taking on, and to follow each others stories on doing so, hashtag any photos with #silentnightgiving. I hope to see your stories, children and every heart you have blessed this Holiday season. Merry Christmas!