15 Dec Learning Thankfulness Requires Generosity

Thankfulness is one of the most important traits to possess. Without thankfulness, there would be no appreciation for some of life’s best and most crucial things—food, a warm home, your loved ones helping you in a time of need. This is a trait I have stressed in the past, and will continue to share as long as I live.

But to learn thankfulness, you must also learn the art of generosity. If you don’t know what it’s like to be on the giving side of an exchange or relationship, you’ll never fully understand what it took for someone to provide for you and why your thankfulness is so important to them.  Right now, we are in the peak season for giving. And without getting too cliché, it’s vital that we teach our children that the holidays are more about giving than receiving. Some of us are blessed with the resources to provide a bountiful Christmas for our families, but others struggle to meet basic needs. This time of year is especially hard for those families in need, but luckily the holiday season provides tons of programs and initiatives for us to give to. Here are a few ways you and your family can give this season.

Photo by NurPhoto via Getty Images

Give toys in your community

Take your kids down to the toy store and let them pick out a gift to donate to a local cause. As kids themselves, they’ll know what other children will enjoy, and they’ll have fun choosing and personalizing the gift. Afterward, you can go to the donation center together. Most communities have their own unique programs, but a few great national programs include Toys for Tots, One Simple Wish, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Answer a letter to Santa

If the truth about Santa has already been revealed to your kids, another fun way you can give is to answer a letter to Santa. Many U.S. Post Office branches provide a program where you can volunteer to “adopt” a child’s letter to Santa. Based on the child’s Christmas list, you can buy gifts and deliver them back to the Post Office to distribute on Christmas Eve. You can find out if your local Post Office is participating here.

Photo via The SITREP Military Blog

Support our troops

Our military service men and women sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom. Giving to some of their causes is a great way to also express your thankfulness for their hard work. Many will be away from their families this Christmas, while others are struggling to get by. Military Benefits has listed several programs for you to help support our troops this Christmas.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38