Teaching Our Kids to Give at Christmas: A Mississippi Mom’s Guide to Raising Generous Hearts
Christmas is magical for kids—and honestly, it should be. The lights, the traditions, the anticipation, the joy. But as Mississippi moms, many of us also feel a responsibility to slow things down and make sure our children understand what this season is really about.
Somewhere between wish lists and wrapped presents, I’ve learned how important it is to intentionally create opportunities for our kids to give, not just receive.
One of our favorite Christmas traditions began when my oldest was just two years old, and we’ve carried it on every year since.
This year, my girls and I baked over 200 cookies and made four gallons of sweet Chex mix for our neighborhood. We packaged everything into Christmas tins, and the girls hand-wrote notes for each family that simply said, “Jesus loves you” and “Merry Christmas.”
Then came the most important part.
They rang the doorbell themselves.
I stood just a few feet behind them, of course—but the girls were the ones who made eye contact, handed over the tin, and wished each neighbor a Merry Christmas. Some doors opened to big smiles. Some to surprise. Some to quick conversations. All of them mattered.
And every single one of those moments taught something no toy ever could.
Why Giving Matters (Especially at Christmas)
Kids are naturally receivers—it’s developmentally appropriate. But generosity, gratitude, confidence, and empathy? Those are learned.
When we intentionally create moments of service—especially during the Christmas season—our kids begin to understand that:
Christmas isn’t only about what they get
Kindness often requires action
Speaking to adults and engaging others builds confidence
Joy doesn’t always come from opening something, but from offering something
These are lessons that reach far beyond December.
Teaching Courage Alongside Kindness
One of the most unexpected gifts of this tradition has been watching my girls grow in confidence.
Ringing a doorbell. Speaking clearly. Looking an adult in the eye. Saying Merry Christmas.
Those moments can feel big to a child. But when we gently encourage them—while still staying close—they learn that they are capable. That they can be brave. That they can bring joy into a space simply by showing up.
As moms across Mississippi, these are the kinds of everyday skills we want our kids to carry with them into the world.
A Tradition That Grows With Your Family
This tradition has grown with our girls. What started as simple deliveries has become something they look forward to every Christmas.
They help plan. They help prepare. They take pride in giving.
Years from now, they may not remember every gift they received—but I hope they remember the feeling of serving others and sharing the love of Jesus in a simple, tangible way.
Other Simple Ways to Teach Kids to Give This Christmas
If baking and delivering treats doesn’t work for your family this year, there are many other ways to foster the same lessons—without overcomplicating the season.
Create blessing bags together
Fill small bags with snacks, bottled water, or handwritten notes and keep them in the car to give when the opportunity arises.Let your child lead an act of kindness
Ask who they think could use encouragement—then help them act on it.Practice speaking to adults on purpose
Whether thanking a cashier, delivering a note, or wishing someone a Merry Christmas, let your child do the talking while you stand nearby.Give before receiving
Have your child choose toys or books to donate before Christmas morning arrives.Involve them in a giving decision
Let them help decide where a small donation goes—locally, through church, or to a family in need.Serve side-by-side
Look for age-appropriate ways to serve together through church or community outreach.Write notes of encouragement
Cards for teachers, first responders, medical staff, or neighbors help kids practice gratitude and thoughtfulness.Talk openly about why we give
Keep it simple. We give because we’ve been given so much.
A Gentle Encouragement to Mississippi Moms
If this season feels full—or even overwhelming—consider this a gentle reminder: giving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.
Start small. Choose one way to serve. Invite your kids into the process. You may just create a Christmas tradition that shapes their hearts far longer than Christmas morning ever could.
