The holidays mean a lot to different people, but most of us would agree it’s a time to come together, share what we have, and feel a little closer to those around us. This season, as the sparkly lights go up and wish lists start to pile, it’s a chance to help kids see the holidays as more than just the gifts under the tree. Giving back can be the best part of the season, and if you make it part of your family’s tradition, it just might become their favorite too. So, if you’re wondering how to make this idea of giving meaningful and even fun, here are a few ways to get started.
What’s the Real Deal with Holiday Spirit?
When we talk about “holiday spirit,” it’s not just about the decorations or the festive food—it’s about a feeling of warmth, connection, and kindness. And believe it or not, kids pick up on these vibes way more than we often give them credit for. If you’re trying to help them experience it, think beyond the usual holiday prep. It’s easy to get wrapped up in gift shopping, but what if, right alongside that, you showed them the kind of joy that can come from helping others? For kids, it’s about seeing that real happiness doesn’t just come from unwrapping a box but from doing something that makes a difference for someone else.
Get them involved in small ways that help them understand the meaning behind the season. Even something as simple as talking to them about why giving matters can go a long way. They may surprise you with how naturally they lean into it when you help them connect the holiday spirit to a simple, kind action.
How Can Holiday Traditions Include Giving Back?
Most families have some traditions that make the holidays feel complete. It might be setting up the tree, decorating cookies, or watching holiday movies. Why not add a new tradition that’s all about helping others? Maybe it’s baking cookies and sharing them with neighbors, or putting together care packages for people who might need an extra dose of cheer.
Another idea? Let them pick out Christmas outfits for kids who may not have new clothes for the holidays. Head to the store or, even better, let them use some allowance money. It’s a simple act, but shopping with a purpose can make a huge impact and gives them ownership over their act of kindness. They’ll get to see how a small gesture, like a warm outfit, can lift someone’s spirits—and you get to see that spark of empathy that’s just so satisfying as a parent.
Who Can Kids Help Right in Their Own Community?
The idea of giving back doesn’t need to feel abstract or far away. In fact, the closer to home it is, the more personal and impactful it can feel. You’d be surprised at how many ways there are to make a difference right in your own neighborhood. Start with local shelters, food banks, or community centers—many of these organizations look for extra hands (big and small) around the holiday season.
Get creative with it, too. Are there aged neighbors who would love a little company, a hand with groceries, or even just a holiday card? Is there a family friend who could use a little extra help? Give your kids the chance to get hands-on with a project that makes someone’s life a little brighter. Kids don’t just learn by being told; they learn by doing, so the more they can actively participate, the more meaningful the experience will be.
Why You Should Take Your Kid Thrifting
This one might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but hear us out—thrifting can be an amazing way to give back while adding a little excitement for your kids. Take them thrifting for gently used items to donate. It could be winter coats, books, toys, or household goods. When they’re part of finding these things, they understand a lot better that what they’re giving has real value.
More than that, it’s a great way for kids to see that giving back doesn’t have to be about spending a lot of money. They can use their own savings or a small budget you set up. Plus, thrifting is a fantastic learning experience on its own. You can talk to them about the value of reusing items, how one person’s old belongings can be another’s treasures, and, in the process, help them see giving back as something accessible and rewarding.
What If Giving Back Became Their New Favorite Thing?
Imagine if every holiday season, your child looked forward to giving back just as much as they do to opening their own presents. Making a family ritual of helping others can turn giving back into a tradition they’ll want to keep even as they grow up. It can be as big as spending a day at a charity event or as small as donating their toys to children in need.
By giving them choices on what they want to give or how they want to help, you’re letting them feel like it’s their own decision. Maybe one year, they’ll want to put together a box of toys for a local drive, and the next, they’ll want to volunteer their time at a holiday event. Let them explore what feels meaningful to them, and it won’t feel like a chore—it’ll be something they genuinely love doing.
Passing Down a Tradition of Kindness
In a season that can get so busy and, let’s face it, a little materialistic, giving your kids a way to focus on others might just be the best gift of all. Helping them understand the joy in giving back isn’t just about the holidays—it’s about raising them to be people who think about the world beyond themselves. And who knows? The little moments you share now, like going thrift shopping for donations or picking out those Christmas outfits for someone in need, might just be the ones they remember most.
So, this season, as you set up the tree and hang the stockings, take a moment to introduce a new tradition. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness leave the biggest impression, and that’s a holiday legacy worth passing down.
