In our home, we have acquired many traditions over the years during the holiday season. We have laughed as we have put together school projects during the season that ask us to tell a story of your holiday season. I say we laugh because it turns more into a novel than a story, meaning we have so many things that we brought into this season and love each one. This specific tradition teaches children the true meaning & feelings of the season. We have our Elf on the Shelf, as many do in their houses. The Elf is different because it promotes good behavior so that they stay on the “Nice List.” This particular tradition promotes good deeds and making others happy.
Years back, my brother gave our family the book, The Giving Manger. It came with hay, a single wooden cradle, and a ceramic baby. Hmm, this is interesting. What is it? We read the book, and from that point on, we fell in love with it, as did our children. The book tells the story of Jesus’s birth and about good deeds. The story encourages children to be kind and do good deeds for others. Each day the children tell us how they helped someone else or made them smile. After they tell their story, they place one piece of hay in the manger. The main idea is that the cradle will be full of hay by Christmas to comfort baby Jesus. At first, we were unsure if the kiddos would stay engaged with this, but I will tell you they were and continue to be. They even go out of their way to do things around the home and with their siblings for the simplicity of putting a piece of hay in the cradle for baby Jesus.
It is a beautiful tradition, and we hope it warms your home as it has ours. The Giving Manger can be purchased on Amazon and many other bookstores. The Giving Manger
Let us know how your children like it or a different way in which you promote Good Deeds and giving during this particular Holiday Season.