Starting New Family Traditions

We’re working on starting new traditions with the boys. I want to instill in them values, and the true meaning of giving. I want them to grow up understanding that it’s not all about them, especially when it comes to the holidays. I want them to be appreciative of what they receive and understand that not everyone is as fortunate as them.

We’re off to a late start this year, but better late than never. The boys and I went through all their toys this morning. And they picked out toys that they felt would be good to give to another little boy for Christmas (with mommy’s help, of course!). They have so much, and knowing that next week, they will be getting so much more, means we need to donate a few to someone who is less fortunate.

In the future I hope to start a little earlier and find a family who could use some nice, but gently used toys for their little one to have. This year, being that it’s already the 17th, I just posted a simple ad on Craigslist. It seems most toy donation centers only accept new toys. Ours aren’t new, but are in such good shape and still have many playing hours left in them. So with no where else to turn, I posted an ad. It’s amazing the stories and the difficult times so many people are having due to our terrible economy right now. I want to help everyone! But knowing that I can’t, we’re going on a first come, first serve basis.

I hope my kids see they they are helping someone else. I hope that they realize their sacrifice is making some other little boy so happy. I hope to instill in them that it really is better to give than to receive.