Every christmas my kids quickly get into the “gimme” phase. I love the advent calendar idea previously and have done something to help my kids count down to Christmas. This year my husband and I have decided to do a 25 Day Pay it Forward Advent project. It will be done the same way as traditional Advent calendars. The only difference is that instead of a toy or a treat, the kids will reveal a simple act of kindness that we will complete at some point during the day.
The holiday season is a really busy time so I'm going to make sure I plan these out in advance. It's also important to make sure I have all of the supplies budgeted and prepared at least a week before I need them. Here are the acts of kindness my family will be performing this Christmas.
- Babysit for some friends so they can go Christmas shopping (many of our friends don't have family in this area).
- Go though all their gently used toys and books then take them to a homeless shelter.
- Pick non-perishables from your own pantry and take them to a food bank.
- Go to a park and pick up trash.
- Take abandoned carts in a parking lot back to the store.
- Send Christmas cards to active military.
- Put money in a Salvation Army bucket.
- Donate pet food to a pet shelter.
- Go purchase a couple toys and drop them in a Toys for Tots box.
- Donate crayons, coloring books, and stuffed animals to a children's hospital.
- Leave a small gift or treat for the mailman.
- Take some baked treats to the local police or fire station.
- Make dinner for a family with a new baby.
- Write a letter of appreciation to a neighbor or teacher.
- Leave a few dollar bills in the toy aisle of The Dollar Store.
- Bake cookies and take extras to a friend and Ding Dong Ditch. Don't get caught.
- Leave a few diapers and wipes on a changing table in restrooms of local stores.
- Tape change at the vending machine at the community center we frequent.
- Sprinkle some bird seed out in the yard.
- Make a homemade ornament and give them to neighbors.
- Take flowers to Great-Grandma
- Take Grandma's dog for a walk.
- Take treats to the school receptionists
- Make a homemade card for your teacher and fill it with a Starbuck's gift card.
- Take a small treat to each kid in your kid's class.
Yes some these acts of kindness take a coupe minutes and some take an hour or more. However the point is that for at least one moment of the day, my children will be thinking about something else besides getting presents. They will also be thinking about something besides themselves. That's the way I want them to spent the holiday season this year.
Try these fun and delicious Christmas Treats for Kids to Make and Share.
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