12 Days of Christmas

You've heard the folk song... about partridges in trees, gold rings and maids a milkin'.  Receiving from one's true love.  French in origin, it commemorates the days between Christmas and the Feast of Epiphany which celebrates the revelation of God in human form. 

As a child I can remember the anticipation of Christmas.  Wondering what would be under the tree.  All about me, me, me. 

As a parent, I've tried to instill the giving.  Daily they are bombarded with the opposite.  In a selfish, entitled, get-more society giving is lost.  As believers in Christ and as parents, we have to be intentional.  We have to be consistent.  And we have to be the example.

On October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), our family commemorated the day by giving.  10 random acts of kindness in our community.  The day is one I'll never forget.  The kids were giddy with excitement.  All done anonymously, we talked about who would benefit and how they would react.  It's hard to explain the feelings I had that day.... I was content.  I hadn't felt that way in awhile, but for the first time in a long time, we were serving as a family.  And it was wonderful.

The kids learned first hand, that pleasure in giving is not in thanks received.  It's not in accolades.  It's not in money spent.  It's not about the giver.  Joy comes in blessing we can bestow on another.  

This year will be the last year we will see three consecutive numbers on the calendar in our lifetime.  December 12, 2012 (12/12/12).  It also happens to mark my 35th birthday.  Each day leading up to December 12th, I'm going to share some ideas with you on how you and your family can give back this holiday season.  I encourage you to gather the kiddos and include them in your plans.  Let them brainstorm.  You might be surprised with a little encouragement, how these little hearts, truly want to contribute to the joy of another.

Intentionality is the only way we can help this next generation overcome entitlement.  Join me as we lead by example.

Day 1 of 12 Days of Giving

1.  Tape candy canes around town - on the ATM, on a shopping cart, on the gas pump... you get the idea.  Be creative.

2.  Color pictures or make cards and go hand them out at the nursing home, assisted living home, and/or the hospital.

3.  Go through the drive-thru and pay the ticket of the car behind you.

4.  Bake cookies and take them to the local fire station.

5.  Walk the parking lot of a grocery store and gather and put away the carts.


There's a few ideas to get those ol' cogs a working.  Keep checking back.  As we go along, I'll have some giveaways just for you, too.  And feel free to add your own ideas into the comments.  We're in this together and the more ideas we have, the bigger impact we can make in our communities. 

Happy Giving!!

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
  ~Mother Teresa