Not any more though. I am taking back the Christmas spirit! My girls are going to grow up loving December for all the magic and wonder it should have, and have an appreciation for the true reason for the season (I type this envisioning myself standing on top of a mountain, hands on hips, and Super Mom cape flying proudly in the breeze).
*Steps off High Horse* OK, so maybe not. But I am going to make them do a little something each day to practice the art of giving. I do want them to experience what its like to make someone happy, for no other reason than because they could.
L is 18 months. I think this is a good time to start our Elf on the Shelf tradition, but Elfie, as she named him, is a kindness elf. Instead of being here as a spy to keep the girls in line so they get more crap, he is going to be my helper in spreading holiday cheer *evil mom laugh*. Each day from the 1st to 24th he will have a special assignment for the girls to help them practice giving. It is easy to get caught up in all the me, me, me, must have attitude this time of year. I really hope this helps instill a sense of greater good and purpose.
So here is my list, if you are looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas.... 24 random acts of kindness to get through the Holiday Season:
|
1.
Take
cookies to someone
|
|
2.
Collect
cans and bottles for the next 2 weeks. Recycle them and donate the money.
|
|
3.
Make
cards for troops over seas
|
|
4.
Take
old sheets/blankets/towels to the animal shelter
|
|
5.
Donate
a toy/get a toy for toys for tots
|
|
6.
Collect
toiletries for the homeless
|
|
7.
Spend
an hour cleaning up the beach or a park
|
|
8.
Share
with a teacher or friend 10 things you appreciate about them
|
|
9.
Talk to
someone that usually sits/plays alone
|
|
10.
Leave a
special note/card for the mail person
|
|
11.
Help
mom make hats for babies in the NICU
|
|
12.
Find a
way to help someone (parent/teacher/friend) without having to be asked
|
|
13.
Make a
box of treats and send it to a missionary over seas
|
|
14.
Take a
meal to a homeless person
|
|
15.
Make
cards/pictures and visit a nursing home
|
|
16.
Put the
neighbors trash can back by their house
|
|
17.
Do a
random chore to help around the house
|
|
18.
Give
someone a special treat
|
|
19.
Do
something to make a friend or family member smile
|
|
20.
Collect
canned goods and donate them to the food pantry
|
|
21.
Gather
craft supplies to take to the children’s hospital
|
|
22.
Give a
child with a deployed parent one of your favorite stuffed animals
|
|
23.
Make
your friends a special gift
|
|
24.
Say a
special prayer for each one of your friends and family members.
Please comment with your ideas too! I will need new ones for next year :)
|
