Jana's Once Upon a Family Blog

Thursday, December 01, 2005

"Re-Gifting" with heart

With so much focus on getting toys, children spend very little time thinking about what to give. The sad part is that most children with toy boxes already overflowing are typically the ones who get the most during the holidays. This can cause a big mess when trying to organize new things. Since you're going to have to make room for new toys anyways, start a tradition with your children to pick out old toys in good condition and place them in a large gift-wrapped box. Help them leave the box upstairs on Christmas Eve for Santa with a note to give the items to other children. Have them tell Santa about how much they once loved these toys and how they would like to share them with a new owner who needs them more now. The next morning your children will find the box gone and a special treat like a cookie or candy waiting as a thank you. Keep the letter they write each year in your holiday tradition book.