Operation Christmas Child — the gift of giving

Thinking back at my childhood and remembering the traditions within my family over the Christmas holidays is always a joy of mine.  This year I was reminded of the yearly message that my parents encouraged my sisters and I about, the gift of giving.  We were taught that there is so much value in giving to someone else, especially to those that were not as fortunate to enjoy the holidays the same way we do.  Buying items to fill our boxes with and then packing them all up in our Operation Christmas Child boxes is a very vivid and enjoyable memory that I have as a child, and one that I would like to pass along to my children.  I want to teach my children that as fun as it is to receive over the holidays, it is just as fun and important to give.

When I brought the boxes home yesterday, avaliable to you at your local Collection Center, my son (5) was so intrigued to find out what they were for.  When I explained to him that I thought it would be a fun activity for him to go shopping and fill the box with gifts for a boy his age, that may not be getting any gifts this Christmas, he was so excited.  We took time out of our afternoon and went out to look for school supplies, hygiene items and toys to fill up our box.  After we felt we had enough to fill up his box, we headed home and were ready to pack his shoe box.

We had so much fun chatting about the boy that might receive his box and some ways that he may use his new items.  It was fun teaching my son about different people across the globe and how not every family is the same as ours.  The last step was to say a little prayer over our box, blessing the boy that receives it, praying that he feels special and loved by those around him.

There is still time for you to fill a box if you are feeling inspired and wanting to join and supporting the cause.  If you don’t feel you have time to fill a box there is also the option to support Operation Christmas Child by donating online.

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