25 Days of Family Christmas Kindness
Teaching our kids to use their manners is important, but to truly instill a sense of gratitude in them is something completely different. Saying “thank you” is the easy part. Gratitude goes far beyond having good manners — it’s a lifestyle as well as a mindset.
With Christmas right around the corner, I needed a change. This family needed a change. My girls were really excited to make out their holiday wish lists and get them sent off to Santa, but every time I asked them what it was they were going to give, they weren’t so quick to come up with an answer. Which honestly, I couldn’t wrap my mind around why they were being so self-centered when it came to the holidays since I am always trying to show them how truly blessed we are and ways we can give back.
This year, I am on a Christmas Kindness mission. This year, we are doing things a little different. A few days ago we sat around the dining room table and I asked them about what kindness meant to them. After writing down their individual answers, I asked them how they felt they could be kind in 25 different ways. They each came up with their own ideas and we continued to discuss why kindness and gratitude are important.
To take Christmas Kindness to another level, I put their ideas into a printable calendar so every day in December (leading up to Christmas) we have to perform an act of kindness. After all, it’s better to give than to receive, right? These random acts of kindness aren’t hard to achieve and will most likely make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Not that’s something I want to give to my kids this holiday season.
If you feel like Christmas Kindness is something you and your family would like to participate in, you can click the picture below to print this calendar. We hung ours on the fridge so it’s a constant reminder of what we need to do.
Click –> Print your own Christmas Kindness calendar
You could also get a cheap frame from the dollar store and use a dry erase marker to cross off each day as it passes, like an advent calendar.
What other ways can we teach our kids kindness and gratitude during the holidays, and forever?
What a lovely idea! It’s great to encourage kids from a young age 🙂
What a beautiful idea, I think I might implement it with my family!
I love this idea. Sometimes I think my kids don’t realize how it’s the small things that can really make a difference in someone’s life. I know when someone does something nice for me, it really cheers me up.
I love the idea a of a kindness calender. This makes me want o make one for the whole year! Imagine if everyone had Christmas spirit in them all year around.
What a great way to teach kids kindness.
We have so many lessons to teach our children over the years. Kindness, generosity and gratitude are so important to learn. I think you’ve come up with a great way to teach the lesson and it will become a family Christmas tradition and provide your children with valuable skills.
Awesome graphic! We do something similar but not as nicely put together!
Omg I love this idea! When I have children I’m definitely doing it!
Woah nice idea! That’s why i will tell my family to do this! Thanks for sharing this wonderful things.
I love the 25 day goal calendar. Never thought of it! I will try to do at least some of the stuff listed above!
What a great way to pay it forward this time of year!!! I know my kids love to share kindness as well!
That is so sweet. It is always important to show kindness to others. You just never know when someone needs it.
This is such a wonderful idea. A great way to focus on a big part of what the season is all about.
Very nice idea! I can do this with my 4 years old son!
I love this idea and I would love to start a new tradition with our little ones like this! TY for sharing!!
Getting the kids involved with charity work or by simply helping others is one of the best experiences that we can share with them! These are wonderful ideas, without a doubt!
Wow! This is just lovely. Planning activities that revolves around kindness is perfect for teaching kids compassion and respect towards others.
This is so awesome!!! Madrespect to you promoting this brilliant kindness campaign. I hope it impacts many people to be kinder this christmas and more giving.
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love this calendar! It’s something I’m printing after this.
Fab creation. Great post