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There are many gifts at Christmas time so lovely to behold,
But the greatest gifts that we can give are the gifts that can’t be sold.
I love to do more service at this time of year and I have been trying to think of ways that I can teach this virtue to my children as well. I have come up with a fun activity to do just that.
The Christmas Service Tree (click for printable)
I made a little printable tree and ornaments with a huge list of service ideas that are easy to do with kids. You can print one out for your family to use, or do what I did- just draw one. (To print, click on the link above and it will take you to the document.) I wanted one that was a little bigger and easier to work with. Each time they do something nice for someone, they can add an ornament to the tree. I printed out and a bunch of ornaments from clip art and puyt them in a little bag taped next to the tree.
Here are our ideas for service:
(I am sure you can think of many more ideas, too!)
Give money to the Salvation Army (Ring their bell for a while!)
Put money in someone’s parking meter
Let someone in line behind you go first
Do someone else’s chores
Leave a love note for someone
Write letters to grandparents or other family/friends
Clean the bathroom mirror/sink
Do the dishes (without being asked!)
Set the table
Fold the laundry
Pay someone else’s library late fees
Bring treats/cards to public service people (post office, firemen, police, librarian, etc.)
Babysit for someone for free
Do yard work for someone else (shovel snow, rake leaves, pull weeds)
Decorate a nursing home for Christmas-bring treats/cards
Bring in your neighbor’s trash cans
Take flowers to someone in the hospital (or toys to kids!)
Make a treat for neighbors
Give somebody a compliment
Clean trash you see outside
Go Christmas caroling
Give to Toys for Tots
Make a special lunch for somebody
Pay for someone’s order behind you in fast food line
Donate to the food bank
Volunteer at homeless shelter/food bank
Collect carts in the parking lot
Take dinner to somebody
Smile at strangers
Buy toys at the dollar store for others
Make homemade cards for friends/family
I hope you will take some time during this month to serve others around you. Maybe this list will inspire you to think of things you can do with or for your family. I have found that I am much happier in my life when I lose myself in serving others.
Leah Mathis says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea! Love it!
Leah
Learning 4 Keeps
Izzie, Mac & Me says
This is a beautiful idea! Stopping by from the TOS Blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
Izzie, Mac & Me says
This is a beautiful idea! Stopping by from the TOS Blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
Enchanted Homeschooling Mom says
What a wonderful idea Karyn! Our family always sings carols at our local retirement home, takes cookies to our local police and firemen, and purchase toys for Toys for Tots but I have always been trying to find a way to do something daily during the month of December that teaches my children a way that they can give back every day (even when it not Christmas time). Thank you for linking up this week to my Enchanted Thursdays Blog Hop.
Carolynn Markey says
what a great list ^_~ I’m going to print it off and give it to my husband tee hee (just kidding)
Deb Chitwood says
This is awesome, Karyn! I love it when families focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I pinned your post to my Kids’ Christmas Activities Board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/kids-christmas-activities/
Lorraine says
This is such a wonderful idea!
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
What a great list of ideas! We are always looking for new ones to add to our list. Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great week =-)
Beth
Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk says
What a great idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Tulip TrueAim says
Love this idea! It really helps put the real spirit of the season into focus. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Tulip TrueAim says
Featuring you this week!
Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk says
Loved this so much, I featured it on Mom’s Library this week! Hop over and grab an I’ve Been Featured on Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk button to proudly display on your post!
Can’t wait to see what you will link up this week!
http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/12/moms-library-link-up-9-for-me.html
Laura O in AK says
That’s a fantastic idea! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up to the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme.
Dawn says
Love this – what a wonderful Christmas time (or any time!) post! Stopping by from the Blog Cruise.
Conversaving says
Stopping by on the Blog Cruise. I LOVE this idea. Such a great lesson for our kids.
futureflyingsaucers says
Stopping by as I cruise through the Review Blogs. Great idea!!