The Spirit of Christmas

Today was one of those moments when you looked at your child and thought "All this hard work is really paying off." Not that she had a perfect day. Actually, she bit me and Eli today and wet her pants (2 things she never, ever does!) But, I will not remember those things. What I will always remember is what a caring little love with an amazing heart Sydney is becoming.

Knowing that Santa is about to bring lots of toys to our already at-capacity house, we told Sydney that there were little girls who did not have lots of toys at their house. Knowing that she would be getting several dollies, we started there. She excitedly found two dollies "that little girl without toys would love!" We also know that she is getting a fully furnished dollhouse, but also know that her Little People dollhouse she got last Christmas is one of her favorite toys. Thinking we may have to wait until she saw the replacement before she was willing to part with her dollhouse, I asked her what she thought about giving the "little girl who doesn't have any toys" her dollhouse. She almost teared up and slowly said "Yes, I think she would like my dollhouse!" and then got really excited about giving it away. She continued to help us pick out several stuffed animals and books to donate.

It was so awesome for us as parents to have the opportunity to 1) teach her to have a giving heart, and 2) see her being so willing to give away things that she loves to someone with needs greater than hers. I am excited about continuing to find tangible ways to help teach my kids to be givers and not takers- and what better time than the Christmas season.

The only problem we have is that we made up "the little girl who doesn't have toys at her house." We can definitely donate our items to one of the many awesome organizations in our town and they will get them to children in need. However, if you know anyone who just can't provide Christmas for their children this year and might love some of my almost-3 year old's gently loved things, let me know. I would love for Sydney to actually get to help deliver the toys!