Random acts of kindness aren’t just for adults. Young children are generous and also like to give so here are some holiday kindness ideas for kids. Children too like to feel good about themselves and helping others helps ourselves. In the words of a 5-year old, ” Christmas isn’t just about getting toys, right Mom? It’s about doing good deeds and helping people.” Here are some ways that might be appropriate for your children and family to be kind to others and a link to a great article found last year is included for more: The Imagination Tree about Kindness Elves
- kids can donate used toys to a thrift store, shelter, or hospital,
(I read about one parent that has kids put a number of toys into a bag or box for Santa to pick up when he comes on Christmas Eve to share with children that don’t have very much. In the morning, when the kids get up, the bag or box is gone, so “Santa” must have popped them into the sleigh too. This gives kids a chance to play Santa.) - when shopping, pick up a new present for a community toydrive or Santa’s Anonymous,
- make a craft as a gift for your letter carrier, newspaper deliverer, or other service person,
bake some cookies to share with another family or elderly neighbor,- share some change from piggy banks with a local charity,
- donate some food to your community foodbank,
- for areas with cold temperatures, sort out coats to drop off a community shelter.
This excerpt is from last year.
These are just a few ideas for young children to participate in the magic of giving and helping at Christmas. Kids can make or do things that bring a smile to others like coloring paper placemats to go to a seniors’ home or meals on wheels program, or making a handmade gift or tree decoration for seniors or family members. Seniors love hearing children’s voices that come to sing at care centers and a few grandmas and grandpas can’t resist singing along. This is not always appropriate for younger toddlers who may feel insecure around people that are unfamiliar, but kids usually go in a group with their preschool or school program. Virgina Bruker, author of the book Gifts from the Heart, reminds us that “Children love to give and…enjoy sharing.”
Do you some other suggestions to share for holiday kindness ideas for kids?