There is one thing my preschooler always loves doing, and that is eating sugar-filled anything. It is our tradition then to bake Christmas treats for friends each year. Preparing Christmas treats and giving them to friends is a simple and fun activity for young children. We share Christmas treats to show that we care.
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Caroling helps lift one’s own spirits, and it is fun for the recipient as well. Singing Christmas carols for family, friends, or individuals in a local retirement center can help bring the Christmas spirit, as well as bring children out into the community during the holidays. I have fond memories of Christmas caroling as a child and teenager, so I look forward to doing so with my children! Continue Reading
Our family is trying a new tradition this year! We will be “elves” helping pass along the Christmas spirit by delivering gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas. We’ve decided on a family we know and love, and we are going to surprise them each day with a Christmas treat of some kind! My kids are already delighted at the plan we’ve developed. We’ve been brainstorming creatively what types of items we may want to give them. Implementing such a plan requires creative thinking about the family and generosity.
When I was in college, one year a friend left small gifts for me outside the door for 12 days leading up to Christmas. I remember that the first days was a can of pears (to correlate with the 12 Days of Christmas song). Another day I received a set of “drummers” stickers. I cannot remember all the days but they were mostly small trinkets. Nevertheless, it was so much fun to look forward to the next day’s gift. It helped make the Christmas season special to know someone thought of me.
Another thing we try to do each holiday season is revisit our abundance and decide which things we no longer need. We donate toys, as well as books and clothes, that we no longer need. When we donate gently used toys, we give others the chance to enjoy them more than we do. Donating toys encourages young children to be grateful for what they already have.
