Goals for Giving
A few years ago, we decided that we wanted to make giving a major part of our Christmas celebrations as a family. Last year Henry was finally old enough to be more involved. He chose to fill a box for Operation Christmas Child, and did chores to earn the money for the things he wanted to buy. He was ecstatic! He couldn't have been more excited if he'd been working to earn money and picking things out for himself. We decided it would become a yearly tradition.
Fast forward to this year. The Christmas giving catalog arrived today from an organization we've supported in the past. I casually mentioned the idea of working to earn money to donate again this year, and the boys jumped at the chance. We flipped through the catalog and they each picked a gift to give: Henry chose books that present the Gospel to kids, because "I really love books, Mommy, and everyone should have books." Thomas has been enthralled with Bibles lately, so he decided to work to send Bibles to people who needed them. Then they chose one for Cora: feeding a baby for a month. It seemed fitting. I asked them each to choose a goal. Thomas wanted to give two Bibles, "betause I am two, Mommy." Henry decided that 20 kids should get books. I thought those goals were lofty enough until they set Cora's goal: feeding 5 babies (5 is the biggest number Thomas can fathom, so I'm sure the suggestion came from him). That makes her financial goal $45!
We cut out the pictures and descriptions of each of their gifts and put them on the fridge.
I wrote down each of their goals and made a little graph to mark off each dollar that they earn toward it.
Finally, we brainstormed ways for them to raise the money. They both offered suggestions and we put the list of ideas (complete with pictures, per Henry's request "So we can both read them") on the fridge.
They were so excited! I can't wait to see them work toward their goals. I love their enthusiasm. I'll be sure to post pictures as they make progress. Let the work begin!
Fast forward to this year. The Christmas giving catalog arrived today from an organization we've supported in the past. I casually mentioned the idea of working to earn money to donate again this year, and the boys jumped at the chance. We flipped through the catalog and they each picked a gift to give: Henry chose books that present the Gospel to kids, because "I really love books, Mommy, and everyone should have books." Thomas has been enthralled with Bibles lately, so he decided to work to send Bibles to people who needed them. Then they chose one for Cora: feeding a baby for a month. It seemed fitting. I asked them each to choose a goal. Thomas wanted to give two Bibles, "betause I am two, Mommy." Henry decided that 20 kids should get books. I thought those goals were lofty enough until they set Cora's goal: feeding 5 babies (5 is the biggest number Thomas can fathom, so I'm sure the suggestion came from him). That makes her financial goal $45!
We cut out the pictures and descriptions of each of their gifts and put them on the fridge.
I wrote down each of their goals and made a little graph to mark off each dollar that they earn toward it.
Finally, we brainstormed ways for them to raise the money. They both offered suggestions and we put the list of ideas (complete with pictures, per Henry's request "So we can both read them") on the fridge.
They were so excited! I can't wait to see them work toward their goals. I love their enthusiasm. I'll be sure to post pictures as they make progress. Let the work begin!
