How to Enjoy a Child's Christmas Spirit - When You Don't Have Children

Sometimes it seems like Christmas is all about the joy of seeing children's eyes light up when they walk into the family room on Christmas morning - whether you are that child, or you are watching your own children. But what if you don't have any children? Whether you're a newlywed, an empty-nester, or single without children, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a child's Christmas spirit.

Family and Friends. Don't have children of your own? Borrow some! Nieces or nephews, grandchildren, and young neighbors all make great candidates for making a little Christmas magic with. Ask the child's parents' permission to invite the child to a Christmas activity, or on a special holiday outing. Chances are, the parents of those children will be just as thrilled as you with the arrangement: they can go Christmas shopping in peace while you spend time with their child.

You can do just about any holiday season activity with your borrowed child. What kinds of activities do you miss doing (or are looking forward to) with your own children - or from when you were a child? Write letters to Santa or bake cookies together. Make old fashioned Christmas decorations using popcorn, cranberries and lots of glitter. Take them to the mall to brave the line to sit on Santa's lap.

Strangers. If you don't know any young children, or if your relatives live far away, you can share the holiday spirit with a child through volunteer work. There are so many volunteer opportunities available, especially during the winter holiday season. It seems like each department and discount store has their own version of Sub 4 Santa. You can sign up at the store, or contact a group such as United Way directly. These programs provide volunteers with a child's gender, age and wishlist. Then you do Christmas shopping for the child, one item or many, and return the items to the program sponsor. It is a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas shopping for a child, and spread Christmas joy. You could also purchase a new toy and donate it to a Toys for Tots program.

Another volunteer opportunity is volunteering at a women and children's shelter. If there is one of these in your community, they likely accept volunteer for anything from helping in the kitchen to playing or reading with children. If you have a skill or talent, you might even hold a workshop to teach your skill.

Another idea is making toys, stuffed animals, or blankets for homeless children. See my article on sewing homemade baby toys, or whip up baby or twin-sized blanket using patchwork fabric scraps. Note that many states have laws regarding the donation of used items.

Children in long-term care wards at the hospital provide another volunteer opportunity. You can bring the Christmas spirit into the lives of these children by visiting, playing or reading with them.