The other day Peeper and I shared a rare morning just the two of us: Eric and Kiwi were napping, so we headed downstairs to play out of earshot. It turned out to be the perfect time to get into the true spirit of Christmas.
After some jumping on the couch, reading books to dolls and building towers (then knocking them down, of course), I suggested we wrap some presents.
“These are for a little boy who doesn’t have any presents,” I explained to her. We are sponsoring a child whose parent is incarcerated, and I had bought him action figures, shoes and pants—his wish list items—earlier in the week. “Some children don’t have as many toys as you,” I added.
Christmas lessons in toddler-sized packages
Peeper chattered and jumped back and forth over the wrapping paper tubes as I cut, folded and taped. I unpeeled the backing from shiny bows, and she stuck them on the boxes.
I wanted to involve Peeper in our family giving this year. We have so much while others have so little, and I don’t want her growing up expecting that abundance is the norm. Providing for others so their holiday is a little brighter is a family tradition, and Peeper is old enough to learn some of these lessons.
I wondered if they had stuck.
“Why are we giving presents to this little boy?” I asked.
“Because it’s Christmas!” she exclaimed.
I laughed. She was absolutely right. She understood the spirit of Christmas, even if she couldn’t articulate it in an after school special kind of way.
At the heart of it, that spirit of giving is at the heart of sending brightly wrapped gifts to this child—and to anyone. Peeper might have missed the finer points of our privilege, but she has embraced the true meaning of the holiday.
I think it’s so wonderful that you are involving her in these acts of giving early on. Even though it may seem like she doesn’t grasp the concepts fully yet, believe me, over time these moments all add up and make a difference that you’ll see in her as she gets older. What a wonderful gift to give your child 🙂
Thanks Marlynn! I think so, too—as she gets older, she’ll understand more and more.
Wonderful post, and I have nothing new to contribute but to echo what Marlynn said. Even if Peeper doesn’t remember this moment specifically, all these moments are still leaving an impression that will stick to her. I always enjoy hearing about the thoughtful ways you are raising your children to be conscientious and aware – I always mention your ideas to others with children since I don’t kids myself!
Thank you, Pech, for your sweet comment! That just made my morning. <3
That is a wonderful way to celebrate with giving.
What a sweet story! It’s great that kids understand these virtues so early- shows they must not be that tough, yet I know a couple adults who could use a lesson! Ha. I’m sure your daughter will keep these virtues with her and pass them on to her kids too- such a great lesson.
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Out of the mouth of babes. 🙂 I love this tradition – we may incorporate it ourselves.
How great! And so awesome that you are getting your little one so involved at a young age.
I love this and think that moments like this stick around even when we don’t remember the specifics. The spirit of the moments stays and develops with us which us kind of amazing.
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What a great lesson of giving. I think it’s important, even at a young age. Memories like this always stick and make for fond memories, that are carried on from generation to generation.
Lovely post. Caring can’t start too young. 🙂
How sweet! I love that you are teaching your daughter(s) the true joy of giving.