One thing I am passionate about is teaching my children to serve others. I pray they have a heart of service everyday. One way I try to teach them is by encouraging them to serve others in easy, inexpensive ways. Below is a list of 5 easy things you can do together as a family to share the love this holiday season.
1. Make cards for soldiers
This is something we have done every year, and I also do it with my students. It’s so easy for kids to make a homemade card to brighten someone’s day. I always mail mine to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.
2. Make goodies for your neighbors
I love to bake, so this is probably one of my favorites. And whose kid doesn’t love to lend a helping hand in the kitchen. Even if you’re not great at baking, there are plenty of mixes that taste great. Trust me, your neighbors will just be glad you thought of them! Walmart also has some cute containers to put them in and voila! You have a great present for your neighbors.
3. Visit a nursing home
This costs absolutely nothing to do. Many residents never see a visitor and are just glad to see someone. Grab some friends and sing some carols. If you have the extra cash to spend, you can even put together some gifts. Just be sure to ask the nursing home staff before giving them out.
4. Random Acts of Kindness
I think this is one of the neatest ideas. You get to bless someone’s day anonymously. You can leave dollars on toys at the Dollar Tree. You can put snack money in your Redbox. You can even anonymously pay for someone’s meal. I love this because it teaches my children that giving isn’t about the recognition they get but about helping others.
5. Gifts for Mailman and Trash Collectors
I feel like these are some of the most thankless jobs. They do their job in the rain or shine. You can easily leave cookies or other goodies for your mailman or trash collectors. Whatever you leave, they will love it.
These are just a few ideas of how you can serve others. Let me know ways your family shows love during the holidays or anytime of the year.
Ribbons and Lace 