The Christmas Service Tree

There are many gifts at Christmas time so lovely to behold,

But the greatest gifts that we can give are the gifts that can't be sold.

I love to do more service at this time of year and I have been trying to think of ways that I can teach this virtue to my children as well.  I have come up with a fun activity to do just that. 

The Christmas Service Tree (click for printable)

I made a little printable tree and ornaments with a huge list of service ideas that are easy to do with kids. You can print one out for your family to use, or do what I did- just draw one. (To print, click on the link above and it will take you to the document.)  I wanted one that was a little bigger and easier to work with.  Each time they do something nice for someone, they can add an ornament to the tree.  I printed out and a bunch of ornaments from clip art and puyt them in a little bag taped next to the tree. 

Here are our ideas for service:

(I am sure you can think of many more ideas, too!)

  Give money to the Salvation Army (Ring their bell for a while!)

Put money in someone’s parking meter

Let someone in line behind you go first

  Do someone else’s chores

  Leave a love note for someone

  Write letters to grandparents or other family/friends

  Clean the bathroom mirror/sink

  Do the dishes (without being asked!)

  Set the table

  Fold the laundry

  Pay someone else’s library late fees

  Bring treats/cards to public service people (post office, firemen, police, librarian, etc.)

  Babysit for someone for free

  Do yard work for someone else (shovel snow, rake leaves, pull weeds)

  Decorate a nursing home for Christmas-bring treats/cards

  Bring in your neighbor’s trash cans

  Take flowers to someone in the hospital (or toys to kids!)

  Make a treat for neighbors

  Give somebody a compliment

  Clean trash you see outside

  Go Christmas caroling

  Give to Toys for Tots

  Make a special lunch for somebody

Pay for someone’s order behind you in fast food line

  Donate to the food bank

  Volunteer at homeless shelter/food bank

  Collect carts in the parking lot

  Take dinner to somebody

  Smile at strangers

  Buy toys at the dollar store for others

  Make homemade cards for friends/family

I hope you will take some time during this month to serve others around you. Maybe this list will inspire you to think of things you can do with or for your family. I have found that I am much happier in my life when I lose myself in serving others.