I have to admit that I was a little unsure if this Naughty List thing was going to actually work, but it has been brilliant. My kids have been kinder to each other, are using their words to communicate, and are more aware that others don’t have as much as we do.

Yesterday our elves gave us some old stockings they “found” in our home and a ten dollar bill for each of my children. Their task was to take the ten dollars to the dollar store, and purchase a toy and some basic necessities for little boys and girls that don’t have as much as they do.

Geronimo and Alyssa's note! Click to enlarge.

The note finished with,

“I would like you all to go out and fill your stockings with toys and goodies for another little boy or girl. Then have mommy show you a place that you can bring your stocking and give to someone who really needs it. When you do this your hearts will be full of love and the true meaning of Christmas. Have a superb day! – Geronimo & Alyssa” 

They were so thoughtful with everything they picked out.

The kids were more than excited to do this and putting a lot of thought into the items they would buy. They each purchased a hat, gloves, or warm pair of silly socks, and then a toy. Each one of them looked hard to find each item for their child. They never asked for a single thing for themselves and made careful decisions to pick the perfect thing. I was touched.

In the Christmas spirit!

I truly believe that the threat of the Naughty List has really helped my kids to be better citizens. My biggest concern is will this behavior continue without the elves?  I guess I could use the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns and maybe even the Tooth Fairy to help me throughout the year…

Bonus! Right before we left to go to the store we had to wait for a service man to finish his work at our house. My youngest child asked his brother and sister to come up to his room and play ships with him while they waited.  And much to my surprise without a blink of an eye, the three of them traveled upstairs and began to play.  I listened from the foyer with a gigantic smile on my face and almost a tear in my eye. They were sharing, talking through situations, and getting along. It was hard for me to tear them away from playing so we could leave.

See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of Taking Advantage of the Naughty List

Kelly
Crazy Crafty Mom

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