"Tis Better To Give Than Receive..."

"Nothing teaches character better

than generosity"

-Jim Rohn-

'Tis the season for Santa, presents and Holiday cheer.  It is also the time for children to make lists of what they want Santa to bring them. So now take this opportunity to introduce the concept of giving to others who may not have much or have nothing.  Whether toys are new or gently used charities will welcome them. Have your child go through his/her toys, games and books and select those that are in good shape, that they might have outgrown or that they have  ignored, and put them into a bag or box to donate.

In Denver charities such as THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, THE GATHERING PLACE, WARREN VILLAGE, FAMILIES FIRST, service children and families, and there are many more worthwhile organizations. 

ACTIVITY:  Make wrapping paper.

                   Materials:  Craft Paper

                                     Tempera Paint

                                     Cookie cutters or apples cut in half

                                     or rubber stamps.

                  Directions: Cut a piece of craft paper large enough to

                                     wrap the chosen gift. Fold the paper in 

                                     half,  then in half again and again until  

                                     there are squares large enough to print or

                                     stamp within. 

                                     Let the child choose the color of paint
                                     they want to use. They can use two or 
                                     three colors and make a pattern.

                                     Put the paint in a pie tin. (The less 
                                     the merrier)

                                     Cookie cutters in the shape of a snowman
                                     a snowflake, a gingerbread man, or Santa 
                                     are fun. One shape, rinsed in a tub of   
                                     water and put into different colors   

                                     or different shapes in one color can make 

                                     a pattern. When the paper is dry, let the 

                                     wrapping begin. (I model by sitting at one
                                     end of the package, letting the child sit at
                                     the other end to follow my lead, step by
                                     step.)

    This is a perfect time for stories and to create family traditions.

     Christmas in the Trenches,  by John McCutcheon (ages 5-10)

    The Little Fir Tree, by Margaret Brown (ages 3-6)

    Let There Be Peace On Earth, by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller (all 

    ages)

    What's Coming for Christmas? by Kate Banks (ages 2-7)

    One Hundred Shining Candles by Jane Lunn (ages 4-8)

What better gift than a book?

I would love to hear about your unique tradition.            

May your Holidays be bright and made richer by giving.

Next week: What can do on Christmas if we do not celebrate the holiday?

JD