Practicing Joyful Giving This Season

The holiday celebrations bring many wonderful opportunities to share quality time with those we love. It is a time of joy that fills our homes with warmth and love. It is a beautiful time to honor Jesus and share his light with others, and a great time to teach our Warriors the blessing of giving. Yes, they get all excited about receiving gifts, and that is part of it, but we must take time to show them that the most beautiful part of Christmas is not receiving; it is giving. 

Giving is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling activities we can do. It helps us focus on each other's needs and wishes, and it makes us selfless. While we bless others with what we give, we also get blessed in return, and the joy of watching someone’s face light up is a sweet reward. That is why we must encourage our Warriors to give generously and joyfully. It is the perfect opportunity to shine the light of Jesus through acts of generosity, whether big or small. 

Here are beautiful, meaningful ways they can give with joy:

Share a kind word – Encourage a friend, thank a teacher, or send a sweet note to someone who needs it. Words spoken with love can brighten someone’s entire day.

Lend a helping hand at home – Helping with chores, caring for siblings, or setting the table with a smile shows Christ-like love right where it matters most, at home.

Give to someone in need – Donate a toy, canned goods, or clothing. Our Warriors learn compassion when they give what they love, not just what’s extra.

Create a handwritten card – A simple card for grandparents, neighbors, first responders, or nursing home residents can be a priceless gift.

Offer prayer – One of the greatest gifts is lifting someone in prayer, friends, teachers, family, or even someone they’ve never met.

Share your talents – Whether they sing, bake, draw, or write, using your God-given gifts to bless others is a joyful way to reflect Jesus.

Practice patience & kindness – Holding the door, waiting their turn, being gentle with their words, every act of kindness points others to God’s love.

Bless a teacher or staff member – A small treat, a note, or simply saying “thank you” can make a huge difference for the people who pour into them each day.

Give time – Spending quality time with siblings, playing a game with a friend who feels left out, or helping someone learn something new, time is a precious gift.

Share the true meaning of Christmas – Warriors can joyfully tell others about Jesus, the greatest gift of all, through their words, actions, and attitudes.

Each of these ways will not only bless those at the receiving end but will bless our Warriors back because giving is very rewarding. When we practice joyful giving, we grow spiritually and personally, acquire a sense of purpose, and, most importantly, reflect Jesus' heart. I encourage you to nurture a giving heart in your child because it will transform and enrich their lives in ways you can't imagine. Let’s share the gift of giving and change the atmosphere with every act of generosity. Let’s emulate Christ and remind others about the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ.