You Can Teach kids to Pay it Forward, or Let Them Join You in Love Drop
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 02:03PM The true meaning of the holidays has not been lost. It went missing for a few years, but I think we've got it back. One reason is that we changed our Advent Calendar policy. The other reason, is that I've joined Love Drop.
Advent Calendars are for Giving and Not Receiving
When the twins were little I had so much fun shopping for little surprises that would fit into the cubbies of our Advent Calendar box. Yes, it's this beautifully painted wood box that has 25 little boxes just waiting to be filled, and then of course opened. But the opening got a little out of hand. It became more about what was inside than the spirit behind filling it! Even though the crap inside was just crap...plastic little toys, candy, etc.
Last year we did away with the crap and sat down and filled it with love notes, and little suggestions of ways the family could spend time together like, "Tonight let's build a fire and roast marshmallows.". This was definitely more in the spirit!
Introducing Love Drop
This year I'm going to continue with the 'new' Advent Calendar policy but I've also signed up for Love Drop where we donate a small amount every month. If we get 500 people to donate just $1 a month that's $500 a month (minus taxes) that can be used to help someone!
What I love about Love Drop is the low commitment, but the high return. Especially because we, the members, get to nominate someone to receive the Love Drop!
I can't imagine a better way to talk to the Twofer about GIVING. And, we'll chat about it all year long as Love Drop keeps surprising people who need it.
Reader Comments (2)
So cool to see people introducing ideas like this to their children - I'm actually planning to talk about it with my own kids next week as well, as an example of how anyone - no matter how small - can make a real difference in someone's life . . . and how we can always offer a helping hand.
Much love,
Nate
We have an almost-identical Advent calendar that the Advent Angel started filling about three years ago. Needless to say, we've created a monster as we scramble to find inexpensive yet meaningful tokens for the box. Our friends and family get a real kick out of our predicament. Our three children get so excited and run to the box each morning of Advent, but as they get older they are wondering why the Advent Angel doesn't leave video games, etc. (ie, big ticket items!). So your notes and Love Drop are terrific suggestions! Thanks.