Traditions are what bring families together and build a strong sense of identity, especially during the Christmas season. So, why not be intentional with your time this December and plan some fun new activities every generation can enjoy?
Here are 10 ways to make generosity your family’s tradition at Christmas and beyond:
- Big tip Tuesday: Every Tuesday, take your family out for a meal and leave an extravagant tip for your server. Let a different family member decide the amount every time, and whether it should be anonymous.
- Kid’s shopping spree in reverse: Take young children to shop (on a budget) for gifts to donate to kids in need. They’ll experience what it feels like to pick out a toy that’s not for them and they’ll learn what things cost.
- YES! Day: Pick one (or several) days throughout the season when you say “yes” to every charitable request you receive, even if it’s just a small gift, prayer, or volunteer commitment.
- Year-end giving review: Run reports from your Giving Fund to see when, where, and what you gave this year so far. On your Fund’s Activity page, click “my printable giving report” to download a PDF, and share with your family to celebrate your impact or decide how you’d like to give differently.
- Christmas cards for strangers: Instead of (or in addition to) sending cards to friends and family, buy a box of Christmas cards and write an encouraging message or verse to share with people you meet during your day.
- The giving pennies game: Use your Giving Fund to research charities as a family. Give each child 10 pennies representing $100 each (or an amount of your choosing) to vote for their favorite ones. Then log back into the Fund with your kids to make grants together.
- The love-language gift: Make sure each person in your family receives a gift in their special love language. If you’re not sure what their love language is, go through the The 5 Love Languages with them to find out.
- Serving days (instead of shopping days): Count how many days there are until Christmas and see how many volunteer opportunities you can plan as a family so you spend more time serving and less time shopping.
- Privilege meets responsibility: Honor the teenagers in your life with the gift of a new privilege to enjoy in the coming year, and pair it with a new responsibility that involves giving back.
- The joy jar: Encourage everyone to jot down their favorite moments of generosity and drop them in the joy jar. Keep it going all year long, and read them all next Christmas Eve.
Article by Sheila Dolinger, published on NCFGiving.com