Christmas 2024 is all but a thing of the past, and Christmas break from school has barely started, yet how many of you have already heard, “I’m bored.” or “There’s nothing to do.”?
I have a solution for that. And no, it has nothing to do with locking yourself in the bathroom. It does, however, require you to a) keep the spirit of giving alive post-Christmas, and b) remind your children that there is no rule in the book of parenting (as if there is one!) that says you are responsible for 24/7 entertainment and that there are plenty of things that need to be done—things which they can do.
So, after you’ve cleaned up all the wrapping paper, giftbags, and tissue paper, might I suggest you rally the troops (your kids) to engage in a bit of after-Christmas do-gooding. Why? Because after all the food baskets have been delivered and the coat-hat-glove drives are over, families still need to eat, stay warm, and go about their days without stressing over whether or not the essentials are covered. You can do that by…
• Putting leftover meals together in disposable containers and give them to people you see at intersections or a family you know who could use a little help. Have the kids write notes of encouragement to attach to each container.
• Hire a teenager whose family is struggling to help you take down your decorations, babysit while you and your spouse enjoy an evening out, or to help you organize your pantry, closet, etc. And on the flip side of this, loan your older kids out for free to help an elderly person put their decorations away and/or do some cleaning and organizing for them.
• Ask your friends, family, coworkers, etc. to donate unwanted or even partially used gift cards and give them to those who can put them to good use. NOTE: make sure the current value is marked on the card.
• If you receive new sheets, towels, or blankets as a gift, pass along those you already have which are gently used.
• Parents who struggle financially are often plagued with guilt over not being able to afford music lessons, sports fees and equipment, uniform fees, or tutors for their children. You and/or your older children can tutor, give lessons, and donate equipment for free or at a greatly discounted price.
• Declare one weekend a month your family’s giving weekend. Give of your time, talents, and ‘stuff’ in your community, your church, your neighborhood, or to an organization in the area which speaks to your heart.
Christmas comes but once a year. Needs, however, have a way of making themselves known all year long. As parents, we need to make sure our children understand this truth and that while none of us can do it all, there is something for all of us to do.
