Errin (Go-to-Gal) and I have been working very hard to teach my daughter about the true cost of things, and that material items are not what make us truly happy. This is hard to impress upon a child, especially a preteen. We sat down with her and asked her to look through her stuff for gifts left untouched from last year, or toys, clothes, books, etc. she doesn’t use any longer. Surprisingly, she was happy to do it. We told her that it is important to give to other children and people who are less fortunate than herself. This got me thinking about a couple others ways to “give well” this holiday season:

“For it is in giving that we receive.” - St. Fransis of Assisi

1. With your child, go through their possessions and/or gifts from last year. If they haven’t touched them in the past year (or years), tell them it’s time to pass them along to a child who would love to receive this gift. Whether it’s a donation to a local church or charity, teach your kids about spreading the gifts and the spirit of the season. Talk about the importance of giving back, and praise them for giving back

2. Think about getting your child some useful gifts. Sure, the newest craze may be exciting, and sure “everyone” else has the newest thing, but are they seriously going to play with it more than once or twice? For example, last year we bought her “Color Explosion Spinner” that she had emphatically begged for. She used it twice and it found its new home at the bottom of her closet by February 1st. This is not an easy concept for children (adults even!), but try to find some gifts that your child will really get some use out of, or hold onto for a long time.

3. Try to shop locally for gift-giving and for your child. Instead of overloading on the cheaply, foreign made items – look for great local shops that carry hand-made gifts, as well as gifts that support local laborers.  For example, pottery shops often have fun sessions to make a neat keepsake (or this is something you can do together!) or for older children in your life, maybe they’d like to have a pizza party with dinner supplied by the local pizzeria, or a trip to one of the smaller movie theaters (they do still exist!) Making a book of cool redeemable coupons is also great way to give cool local gifts (see Errin’s post on cutting back this holiday season!) These are gifts that can be enjoyed together and also give back to your community.

Here’s a great article on reasons for shopping locally, “Why Buy Locally Owned?” by Sustainable Connections

These are just a couple ways you can give back and “give well” this year. I’d love to hear any suggestions you have for “giving well.” Have a Happy Holiday, and enjoy your family. That’s what it’s all about!

Davey
Young(ish) Dad 

For links to all of our holiday themed blogs read Planet Fassa’s Blogs to Get You Through the Holidays!