Love Generously - Acts of Kindness

I never had an advent calendar as a kid. I decided to make one for the girls this year. I didn't really know what I was doing, so I made it up.

In November, I sat down with my eldest and explained that we’d be giving gifts from our hearts this year. “Doing” gifts and “being” gifts. If we gave stuff, it would have to be made from supplies we already have on hand. (And we’re pretty blessed with “stuff on hand,” to be sure.)

“Think of things that would warm someone’s heart.” She and I brainstormed a list of a couple dozen acts of kindness that would do just that. I made a tree out of craft foam and we made round ornaments out of construction paper and wrapping paper. I numbered them from 2 – 24 and then wrote an act of kindness on the back of each one.

Each day after breakfast they take turns taking off an ornament. After work/school, we do what it says. Last Friday, we rang the Salvation Army bell in front of WalMart for an hour in 8 degree weather. Yesterday, we wrote letters of thanks to recovering soldiers. Today, we’ll each choose 6 stuffed toys to give away. (Yes, me too. I still have virtually all of mine, but I’ve just hidden them amongst the girls’ toys.)

Over the weekend, we made my great aunt cry. (I know, that hardly seems kind.) The girls called her and sang Feliz Navidad. Then they followed up with an unexpected (and LOUD) Jingle Bells. My youngest told her all about our new “activity” scene “with the baby Jesus and EVERYTHING.” And my eldest told her that Santa can’t cancel Christmas no matter how bad it snows. You just can’t cancel a birthday.

My aunt’s heart was warmed over and over, so much so, her eyes had to leak. I’m so proud of them for taking this on with gusto.

They keep thinking of things that aren’t on the ornaments. We need a “leftover list” so we can keep up with the game on into January. Loving generously shouldn’t stop when the tree is empty. The star at the top (#1) should remind us to think of a new kindness every night… hmmm… I smell a new game!

Merry Christmas!