‘Tis better to give than to receive. Even though the economy is in a tizzy, Christmas is still an opportunity to teach your children about the magic of being selfless. One Christmas, during a year of general economic difficulty, my parents took us to purchase several shopping carts full of toys. We dressed up like elves and delivered the gifts to random children in a needy neighborhood near my father’s office. I’ll never forget how that made me feel.

For your older kids, The Gift of the Magi is a timeless, touching tale about a couple who discovers the deep meaning of acting selflessly. After reading it, help them take the opportunity to act selflessly this Christmas and find a gift for someone who needs it more than they do. If your family is having a tough season, suggest that they sacrifice one of their own gifts this year for someone in greater need. It’ll build character and create a Christmas memory they’ll never forget.

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