Extra Wish Lists
"In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
-Acts 20:35 (NRSV)
Gift giving is something that is baked into our culture (particularly around holidays like Christmas or special occasions like birthdays) and sometimes the numbers are staggering: over the past several years, the average American family has spent close to $800 on gifts during the Christmas season! Families do this because they want to spark joy in them and their children - certainly not a bad thing! - but receiving gifts isn't the only way to spark joy.
The next time your family is getting ready to make wish lists (whether for birthdays, Christmas, etc.), you might consider helping your child look up and write down some charitable gifts that they'd like to make. Many organizations have "gift catalogs", which allow families to look for options of what their money might go to... or you could just think about charities in your neighborhood that you might like to support! I know one family at Fourth Church has their children pick out something for all of their guests to donate in lieu of birthday presents each year. Regardless, the key part of this is not just writing these things down but talking about the difference that this will make in someone else's life, both before and after receiving the gift. We don't need to change our culture of generosity and giving - we're only making sure that we're not the sole recipient.
How You Might Go About This:
For Younger Children
For Older Children
-Acts 20:35 (NRSV)
Gift giving is something that is baked into our culture (particularly around holidays like Christmas or special occasions like birthdays) and sometimes the numbers are staggering: over the past several years, the average American family has spent close to $800 on gifts during the Christmas season! Families do this because they want to spark joy in them and their children - certainly not a bad thing! - but receiving gifts isn't the only way to spark joy.
The next time your family is getting ready to make wish lists (whether for birthdays, Christmas, etc.), you might consider helping your child look up and write down some charitable gifts that they'd like to make. Many organizations have "gift catalogs", which allow families to look for options of what their money might go to... or you could just think about charities in your neighborhood that you might like to support! I know one family at Fourth Church has their children pick out something for all of their guests to donate in lieu of birthday presents each year. Regardless, the key part of this is not just writing these things down but talking about the difference that this will make in someone else's life, both before and after receiving the gift. We don't need to change our culture of generosity and giving - we're only making sure that we're not the sole recipient.
How You Might Go About This:
- Brainstorm various charities or organizations that you might like to support. Does your child like animals? Perhaps donate to a shelter or zoo. Does your child want to help another child? There are lots of ways to support children around the world, from food to clean water to education.
- Talk through why you are doing this with your kids, thinking about how this donation might make a difference. If you'd like, you can also compare it to the cost of toys they might receive and how this money can be used in different ways. This shouldn't be shared as a judgment - of course kids want toys! - but is just helping them understand how our money can be used differently.
- After giving the gift, invite your child to reflect on how happy the person who received it must feel - and take a moment to be proud of making a positive difference in someone else's life!
For Younger Children
- Imagine how another person might feel as they received this donation. What would their face look like? How would they feel?
- The Bible says “Do not forget to do good and share with others” (Hebrews 13:16) – why does God think it’s important for us to share what we have with others?
For Older Children
- How much money does the average family spend on gifts each year during Christmas? ($800) Do you think that is money well spent? How much should go to ourselves, and how much should go to other people? Think through the ramifications of their answer with them - and perhaps follow through for next year!
- Why do you think people choose to give so many gifts? Are there other ways to show that love and care that don't involve spending a lot of money?