Christmas is fast approaching. Our tree is lit, the stockings are hung and the scent of cinnamon is drifting through our home. In the background I can hear the little chattering of...... uh, my kids telling me of all the things they want? All of a sudden my mind comes to a screeching halt! Okay, I get the fact that kids want everything under the sun but I definitely don't want my kids to think that Christmas is all about getting "things". My 5 year old comes up to me with a magazine in hand and shows me 4 pages of toys that he so kindly circled to indicate the items that he would like from Santa. Wow. No bueno.

No matter what religion you practice or how you celebrate this holiday season I think that we all can agree on the importance of teaching our children that giving to others is far better than receiving. I told my 5 year old that he needed to go through his toys and pick out what he would like to donate to other boys and girls. I was unbelievably surprised at how excited he ended up getting when he fully took on the task. My son transformed from "wanting" for himself to "wanting" to give back. Although this might change tomorrow I am still excited to see his growth in such a positive direction.

There are so many struggling people who are waiting for all of us to put our "wants" aside so that we can give them what they need. If you feel compelled to do so, please visit the site below (one of many sites!) and see how you can be of service to a family in need. Not just this holiday season but always!

http://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/lander/default.aspx?media=Google&source_code=DHQOQ1107W1GGR&keyword=needy&gclid=COGg0tLQg60CFRJthwod4zoPKw&tgs=MTIvMTUvMjAxMSAzOjEyOjA3IEFN