Give to Others First this Christmas

Christmas is coming! So this year instead of asking your children for a list of things and wishes for themselves, ask them what they want to buy someone else.

Yes, a little radical? Not at all! Christmas is about giving not getting, right? So, start at home. Here are some tips:

1. For every toy your children get, they have to give you one they do not want. It cannot be broken or useless. Something they hung onto because more is better.
2. Adopt a family. Buy for someone else this year. The economy is hard on everyone, so find a family that needs help this year and buy them presents.
3. Take the children shopping for someone else. And, for that one day, do not allow them to express their wants. Training is your responsibility as a parent.
4. Give a family a gift card from the grocery store. Give someone a great Christmas dinner.
5. Set aside some money. Randomly give people some of it on the street. Do not stop to find out who they are or what they do with it. Just give it away. It teaches you to open your hand more.
6. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee.
7. Pay the toll for the car behind you.

These are just a few ideas. Yes, it is a time of giving. So, go ahead, give away. You do not have to be rich to do this. Do what you can with what you have.

Here are my wishes for you:

I wish you satisfaction for peace of mind
– comfort in the knowledge that you are cared for
– peace on the inside no matter what storms rage around you
– contentment for where you are in life
– enjoyment doing what you love to do
– gratification in doing for others
– fulfillment in your life.

Merry Christmas.