I love this time of year, I really truly do. From Thanksgiving through New Years Day I enjoy all the traditions and the special time with my family. There is a magic in the air.
I have to admit though, it is always an emotional roller coaster for me. The gratitude overflows but also, there is just so much STUFF everywhere I turn. So much to buy, so much that I want for my family and loved ones and admittedly, for myself … so much so much SO MUCH.
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and all the emails flooding into my inbox about free shipping on this or 25% off of that make me feel excited and they also make me feel sick.
I want to teach my children to be thankful for all that we have and to be generous and kind and thoughtful of others. Especially those in need.
It can be a hard lesson to get to sink in with 5 and 6 year old children. We aren’t quite at the point where volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great family activity just yet, but I look forward to the times we will do those kinds of things as a family.
A couple of years ago I took a cardboard box and named it “The Giving Box.” The kids and I decorated it and the idea behind it is that every day during the month of December each member of our family will put something in it to give to a family in need. That includes Mommy and Daddy, too.
