Serve as a family this holiday season! 5 ideas that get everyone involved

Serve as a family and instill a giving attitude in your kids.

The holiday season often nudges us to open our hearts and turn our attention to those in need. As parents, instilling a spirit of giving in our children becomes a priority.

Lisa Andersen, host of the online community “Thriving Motherhood,” believes in nurturing this giving attitude through family service. She shares details on how families can serve together during this festive season.

For more inspiring insights and support for moms, Lisa can be found on Instagram, @thrivingmotherhood.

How to Serve as a Family This Holiday Season

Embracing an Attitude of Service

Lisa’s perspective is grounded in the idea that while many wish to give and serve during the holidays, they often feel limited by time or resources. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what one can do rather than getting caught up in what seems impossible.

Benefits of Serving Together

When asked about the benefits of serving as a family, Lisa highlights how such experiences unify families and serve as modeling opportunities for kids. Engaging in acts of service molds children into individuals who understand the value of giving back to their community.

Overcoming Roadblocks

Encountering resistance, especially from teenagers, is common. Lisa suggests keeping a positive attitude and communicating the “why” behind the service activities to children helps create a more meaningful experience.

5 Ways to Serve as a Family

Lisa outlines a structured approach, emphasizing options tailored to diverse circumstances.

1. Free Activities at Home

• Writing Notes of Kindness: Sending heartfelt messages to neighbors’ costs nothing but time and effort, leaving a lasting impact.
• Adopting a Grandparent: Visiting elderly neighbors or seniors in local communities is such a happy way to serve.

2. Free Community Engagement

• Volunteering at St. Vincent’s Dining Hall: Participating in meal service for those in need fosters empathy and gratitude. Visit their website for more information.

3. Low-Cost Community Involvement

• Sacrificial Giving: Teaching children the concept of sacrifice by forgoing eating out using those funds to someone in need.
• Participating in ‘A Babe is Born’ Event: Supporting refugee families through Christmas-themed events. Visit their social page to learn more.

4. Community Service with Costs

• Contributing to Ronald McDonald House: Preparing and serving meals for families in need, providing support and comfort. Learn more on their website.

5. Close-to-Home Initiatives

• Hosting a Hot Chocolate Stand: Creating a free hot chocolate station in the neighborhood fosters a sense of community.
• Operation Christmas Child: Filling shoeboxes with gifts for children in need and dropping them off at designated centers. Learn more on their website.

Lisa’s approach encourages families to find joy in giving, irrespective of the scale or cost involved. It’s about creating positive associations with acts of kindness and instilling a sense of compassion in children.