'Tis the Season for Giving (Within Reason)
Kids love to get gifts, but they also love to give them, too. By the time they get gifts for each of their friends, their teacher, their favorite nurse, the bus driver, and the art teacher they just love, your pockets are often considerably lighter. Tired of the cash drain that the holidays bring? Here are some ideas to propose to your student (and maybe even their teacher, too)!
Pass on the gifts and have a classroom celebration. If you child's teacher is in agreement, propose to forego the traditional sharing of gifts in the class. Instead, ask each family to donate food item for the class and have one class celebration. This limits the amount of money spent on gifts and also eliminates the potential for tears that happens each time someone gets a gift they didn't quite like.
Draw pictures for favorite teachers. Teachers don't need fancy gifts and toys to know they're special. Instead, have your children draw pictures or write thank you cards for everything their teacher does all throughout the year. These thoughtful items make teachers feels great and don't damage the family budget.
Offer to do a craft with the class. Students love arts and crafts, and teachers love volunteers. Instead of a specific holiday party, offer to make a winter craft with the class. Art supply stores are full of items that can be bought in bulk to make foam ornaments, wooden pins, and bejeweled picture frames. By helping out in this way, students get a goody to bring home to their families, and often the supplies are less than the cost of items for students and teachers. Use the extra supplies at home to let your kids make presents for people they want to give to.
Give a class gift. Instead of spending money on a gift for one child, ask the teacher if each child can purchase a gift for the class. Items like board games, books, and puzzles can be bought inexpensively, and often teachers allow kids to use these items during recess time or as a reward for hard work. That way, everyone benefits!
Donate to a charity. Every season is a good season for giving, but the winter months are particularly timely for focusing on the needs of others. Instead of having a class gift-giving party, allow students to save their extra lunch money change or small donations during the month of December to donate to a worthy cause of their choice. There are many different groups to choose from, from animal organizations to global relief groups. Regardless of the group, remember to research the organization before making the donation and check with the school to see if there are specific policies in place regarding donating to outside organizations. No money to spare? Check with the local veteran center or senior center to see if they accept home-made holiday cards. Many people who are lonely during the holidays can be greatly cheered by cards that kids make. Spread the joy for little money!
Collect for the armed services. The men and women in the armed forces often are away from their families during the holidays. In appreciation of their efforts, volunteer to organize a collection of items they need to keep them comfortable and safe overseas. Many people have loved ones who are serving or wish to support those people that are, so collections are often very successful. By offering to coordinate the activities, you save money and get to do something wonderful for someone else. It's a great lesson for kids, since they can help with the collections, organizing, and advertising. Sometimes they even get a letter back from the happy soldiers they help! What a great example of true holiday spirit!
Celebrating the holidays within your child's school doesn't have to be a source of cash-fever. Rather, by working with the teacher ahead of time, you can make the most of the spirit of the season by making personal projects or helping out in the community at large.
Happy holidays to all of our students and their families from Notes from the Teacher. We wish everyone a happy and joyous holiday season with friends and families. See you in 2008!
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