My parents recently took Gabriella to the mall to help them choose a couple of names from the giving tree.
You know the giving tree. They are in malls all across the country, covered with the names of children of all ages that won't have something special with their name on it under the tree Christmas morning. These kids just want something special for their own, or some new clothes.
My parents do the giving tree every year. We did too, until last year when our finances wouldn't allow it. This year, again, we are just going to be able to give our kids a Christmas, and pay our bills, with enough left over for groceries.
I asked my parents to take Gabriella, because I wanted her to learn the lesson of giving. Giving to someone in need. So we all went to the mall, and Gabriella helped choose two names off the tree. She chose a little girl about her age, who wanted Dora or Strawberry Shortcake things. She also chose a 2 year old boy who needed new clothes.
We then went to Target, where Gabriella helped choose the gifts. We explained to her what we were doing, and why. She really got into it, and was so sweet picking out toys, and telling us "Don't tell her! It's a surprize!"
It touched my heart to see my daughter get into this. It was just what I wanted to happen. I wanted her to understand the spirit of giving, and not just the fun of getting presents. She's three, but I think she got something positive out of it.
My heart broke into pieces though, looking at that tree. It was absolutely covered with names. Talking with the woman running the tree that day, she had a large stack of names that still needed to be put up, just waiting for room. We don't live in an especially large city - I couldn't believe all the names.
I wanted to be able to pick up some names myself. It hurt me so much that I couldn't afford to help one or two of these kids out. It makes me wonder about what Christmas has become. Every year we stress over what to get family and friends. We struggle especially with Spiral's parents. It seems we end up giving them things they already have, or things they don't really like, just because we "have to get them something". Wouldn't that money be better spent on a child that would be happy with any number of things, just because it was especially for him or her?
If you have the means to do so, please go find the giving tree and help a child in need. Donate to your local food bank, or give to Toys for Tots. Make the life of a child a little better and a little brighter.
I hope and pray that every child has something under their tree this year just for them. I hope each one is warm, and safe, and has food to fill their tummies. I hope each one is loved, and feels special. I wish I could change the world, and ensure these things for every child. The best I can do is ensure it for my own.
I can totally relate!! We can barely afford to "do" Christmas this year, since N lost his job in November, but my kids have so much already, and gifts from all sorts of family members! I want so badly to be able to help these needy children here, even if it's something small, but we really don't have it. WTG on teaching your daughter the spirit of giving to those less fortunate!
By 
SeeingDouble, at
12:08 AM
Our work holds a toy and food drive every year, and I take some of my tips every week and buy either food or toys. This year Princess helped to buy some too. I agree that this is a worthwhile thing!
By Crazy Single Mom, at
8:27 AM
What a wonderful tradition to start with Gabriella! I used to "adopt" a child every year through the giving tree at work. Now that I'm a SAHM, I'll have to find one. It makes me so sad to think of all the children that won't be waking up to a Christmas tree with presents under it. It's so easy to take things for granted.
Vanessa : I remember the year that I had to put Hannah on the "Angel Tree," because I couldn't afford to give her everything that I wanted. To this day, I wish that I could have met the people who bought her gifts and thanked them. It really meant a lot to me. That day I vowed that when I had the money, I would pick 3 names from the "Angel Tree," and buy the kids the gifts that they wanted! I am very thankful for that program!
By 
, at
6:08 PM
We could barely afford to buy our kids two toys each. We have four kids. We have to decide whether to buy groceries or fix the car. This time of year it always gets tight. My husband is in college and I've been at home. I can't wait until he's done. Then things will get a little better. It still bothers me that my kids complain that they won't get everything they want and some kids won't even get anything and some kids don't even have families. I was one of those kids and I'm trying hard to make it easier on mine. Once we are up on our feet I will definetly be picking a name or two off the tree.
By , at
7:53 PM
I struggled with this myself this year. I donated (via shopping at Greater Good) to several worthy causes. I just had a conversation with my mother-in-law today about donating toys. A box she sent (1 of 6) is missing. I told her if she found it to donate it. She said, but the stuff is special, for my granddaughter. I said that her granddaughter has a lot of special stuff. Some girl her age might not have anything. I think my kids understand the concept of giving to those who need more. I think it's great that you're instilling this value at such a young age.
