The Christmas Service Tree: Teaching Kids the Joy of Giving
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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.
Why We Created a Christmas Service Tree
Each December, I look for ways to focus our family’s holiday season on service rather than just stuff. Amid the lights and presents, I want my children to experience the joy that comes from giving — not just receiving.
To make this easier (and more visual for young kids), we created a Christmas Service Tree — a simple family activity that turns acts of kindness into ornaments of love.
How It Works
You can download and print the Christmas Service Tree Printable below (or draw your own). Hang it up somewhere visible — like the kitchen or family room — along with a small bag of paper ornaments.
Each time your kids do an act of service, they get to add an ornament to the tree. By Christmas, it will be filled with reminders of love, kindness, and small good deeds.
You can:
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Print ornaments from the template (or draw your own).
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Write the act of service on the back.
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Add stickers, glitter, or color to make each one special.
By Christmas morning, your tree becomes a reflection of all the giving hearts in your home.
Acts of Service to Inspire You
Here are some of our favorite ideas to get you started (mix and match or create your own family list):
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Donate to the Salvation Army or ring the bell together
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Let someone go ahead of you in line
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Do someone else’s chores secretly
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Leave kind notes for family members
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Write letters to grandparents or friends
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Take treats or thank-you cards to your mail carrier or local firefighters
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Babysit for a neighbor for free
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Shovel snow or rake leaves for someone else
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Bring flowers or cards to a nursing home
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Make and deliver cookies to neighbors
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Compliment three people in one day
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Pick up litter on your street or at a park
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Go Christmas caroling as a family
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Donate toys or books to a local charity
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Pay for someone’s order in the drive-thru
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Take dinner to a friend in need
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Smile and say hello to strangers
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Collect shopping carts in a parking lot
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Volunteer at a food bank or community center
Encourage your kids to come up with their own ideas, too! It’s amazing to see how naturally children think of ways to help once they start looking for them. See my post: 50+ Random Acts of Kindness Kids Can Do for more ideas.
Why Service Matters
Acts of kindness help children develop empathy, gratitude, and awareness of others. They also shift the focus from gettingto giving — which is what this season is truly about.
As a parent, I’ve noticed that our family feels more peaceful and joyful when we serve together. The small things — holding a door, writing a note, or helping with chores — add up to a home filled with light.
Start Your Own Tradition
If you’d like to make this part of your family’s Christmas tradition, grab the Christmas Service Tree printable, or draw one together around the kitchen table.
Decorate it, hang it, and fill it up with good deeds all month long.
By Christmas Eve, you’ll not only have a beautiful tree — you’ll have a season full of memories and moments that matter most.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea! Love it!
Leah
Learning 4 Keeps
This is a beautiful idea! Stopping by from the TOS Blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
This is a beautiful idea! Stopping by from the TOS Blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
What a wonderful idea Karyn! Our family always sings carols at our local retirement home, takes cookies to our local police and firemen, and purchase toys for Toys for Tots but I have always been trying to find a way to do something daily during the month of December that teaches my children a way that they can give back every day (even when it not Christmas time). Thank you for linking up this week to my Enchanted Thursdays Blog Hop.
what a great list ^_~ I’m going to print it off and give it to my husband tee hee (just kidding)
This is awesome, Karyn! I love it when families focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I pinned your post to my Kids’ Christmas Activities Board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/kids-christmas-activities/
This is such a wonderful idea!
What a great list of ideas! We are always looking for new ones to add to our list. Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great week =-)
Beth
What a great idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Love this idea! It really helps put the real spirit of the season into focus. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Featuring you this week!
Loved this so much, I featured it on Mom’s Library this week! Hop over and grab an I’ve Been Featured on Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk button to proudly display on your post!
Can’t wait to see what you will link up this week!
http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/12/moms-library-link-up-9-for-me.html
That’s a fantastic idea! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up to the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme.
Love this – what a wonderful Christmas time (or any time!) post! Stopping by from the Blog Cruise.
Stopping by on the Blog Cruise. I LOVE this idea. Such a great lesson for our kids.
Stopping by as I cruise through the Review Blogs. Great idea!!