Winter Fun for the Family: Christmas Spirit Activities

Christmas is the perfect time to teach children about service and giving. Children of almost any age can be involved, in some way, in service and charitable acts. The following are just a few of the many things families can do to serve others during the holidays. Please note that many children have extensive time away from school for Christmas and New Year's Day that can be utilized in any of the following activities, which are not limited to the days before Christmas.

Charity/Service

There is a multitude of ways to directly give to charity or perform service during the holiday season. A family in need may be 'adopted' for Christmas. A few gifts and stocking stuffers for each family member as well as food items for a dinner are the minimum which should be given if a family is 'adopted'. In addition to those items, a tree with a stand, winter clothes, a little cash, and any other items they might be in need of all can be given. A smaller, less expensive way to help a family have Christmas is to participate in a local Sub for Santa or Angel Tree type event. These organizations screen applicants and have lists of what is needed. With some of these charities, as little as one item can be donated.

At this time of year, there are many ways and place available to make quick and anonymous donations to charity. Many stores and other businesses have drop-off boxes for donations of things such as clothes, new unwrapped toys, coats, boots, blankets, winter caps, and food.

Another way to donate to charity is to donate funds or time. Service may be given by volunteering at locations such as soup kitchens, hospitals, vet hospitals, retirement/nursing homes, or in visiting the home bound/alone in your own neighborhood. Your time and talents can be of tremendous assistance and value to those you serve.

Caroling

A very traditional way to bring Christmas cheer to others is through caroling. Whether it is undertaken outdoors or indoors, singing Christmas songs benefits both the audience and the performers.

Two of the many websites offering free Christmas sheet music are The Free Sheet Music Guide and Christmas Carol Music.Org. Between the two of them, most traditional and fun Christmas songs should be available.

Treats

Whether your family creates treats to share with neighbors or gifts from the kitchen to give, there are tons of family-friendly recipes available to make unique and fun food. You may also have traditional family treat recipes that can be taught to the children to help instill in them not only a sense of giving to others, but also pride in their family heritage and traditions.

Two online sites loaded with family-friendly recipes are Family Fun and Homeschoolzone's Mom-to-Mom Recipe Library. Both have recipes for treats of various types as well as recipes for gifts from the kitchen that are sure to please.

Homemade Gifts and Ornaments

There are many simple and inexpensive gifts and ornaments that children can make alone or with a little adult supervision. Some projects may be great for the children to do not just before Christmas, but also during their Christmas break from school.

Family Education has some fun activities and projects, including some versions for toddlers to enjoy. Another site, Allfreecrafts, has not only child-friendly crafts, but also a bunch mom and dad might enjoy.

SOURCES:

The Free Sheet Music Guide (online)
http://www.freesheetmusicguide.com/christmas.htm
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Christmas Carol Music.Org
http://www.christmas-carol-music.org/
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Family Fun.Com (recipes)
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/holiday_mainmeal_ms/
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Homeschoolzone - mom to mom recipe library
http://www.homeschoolzone.com/m2m/christmas.htm
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Sub for Santa
http://www.unitedwayuc.org/subforsanta/
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Angel Tree
http://www.pfm-angeltree.org/
(Accessed December 14, 2007)

Family Education
http://fun.familyeducation.com/christmas/gifts/47484.html
(Accessed December 14, 2007)Allfreecrafts
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/
(Accessed December 14, 2007)