Family Volunteering At Christmas by J Gardener

Though every family has its own way of celebrating the Christmas holiday, Santa Claus seems to be a part of every young child's perfect Christmas. He's such an innate part of our holiday culture, it's impossible for little ones, today, to avoid learning about Santa's flying sleigh and his midnight visit to the chimney. Still, some parents worry that placing too much emphasis on what Santa will leave under the tree encourages greediness in their children.

But many parents forget that, at its root, the Santa Claus legend is also about rewarding goodness and good behavior. If he "knows when you've been bad or good", as the song says, then it benefits a child to "be good, for goodness' sake". That goodness will bring reward, in the form of a wonderful and fulfilling Christmas morning.

Most children really don't need to be taught to be good. They want to please, and they want to comfort. A little girl with a baby doll wants to make it feel safe and cared-for, just as she feels safe with those who love her. Children naturally want to perform acts which provide the same safe feelings that they feel.

Parents who encourage action, when their children exhibit sympathy and compassion, can teach their children valuable habits which will last their whole lives. Even an activity as simple as a child helping a mother fix dinner can be the seed of compassionate behavior, and lead to helpful habits.

The holiday season is the perfect time to foster these feelings and activities in a child. By using the Christmas message of love and fellowship, of compassion and caring, parents can show their child that the comfort they bring to others can extend beyond the boundaries of the family home.

Something as simple as a family outing, picking up neighborhood litter, is a great way to start. Maybe an elderly neighbor needs leaves raked, or food delivered. Or maybe you know an invalid who would appreciate some Christmas carols sung. These are all activities that are easy, unintimidating, and are guaranteed to be appreciated. Then, as your child grows, volunteering can expand and become more organized, possibly with a church or civic group.

Christmas is about caring, compassion, and love. It's a wonderful time for a child to learn the value of volunteerism. It's a wonderful time to develop habits of compassion which will last a lifetime.

About the Author

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