Once the Christmas holidays are over, many families clean up the leftovers, take down the decorations and resume life as per usual. While this can be nice to get back to the regular schedule, try to encourage your family to not let go of that generous Christmas spirit just because the holidays are coming to an end.
Every day of the year there are people in your local community that need help and encouragement. Whether your family chooses to help out the local Calgary Food Bank, the Calgary chapter of the United Way, or any other non-profit organization, your efforts would not be lost on those who desperately need it every day of the year, rather than just at Christmas time.
Explain to your children that there are many families who rely on community services at all times during the year, not just the holidays. It is important to think of others, especially when there isn't a full-blown media campaign during special times of the year, such as holidays. Without the help and support of volunteers or donations throughout the year, many individuals and families would go without the necessities of life after Christmas and beyond.
- Each time you shop for groceries with your child, get them to pick out 1 favorite snack/food item to donate to the food bank.
- Show them by donating a portion of your monthly income (and their allowance) they can help others who are less fortunate
- Recycle outgrown clothes/toys to local shelters/Good Will services for others to reuse.
By setting a daily example of how it is to live your life with a generous spirit, thinking of others, your children will adapt that as their own lifestyle as well. Be sure to explore many different options with them throughout their childhood, keeping in mind of age-appropriate volunteer ideas and helpful tasks that they can participate in as well.
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