This post is sponsored by Amazon, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When we think of the holidays, we often think of purchasing cherished gifts for our loved ones. We note the items that top their lists and hurry out to shop in person or online for that perfect gift. As a result, it should come as little to no surprise that our children often associate the holidays with a time of receiving. They circle toys in magazines, inform Santa of their priorities,and count down the days until Christmas morning… but how often do they realize that not all children, and not all individuals have the same luxury? How often do they give back instead?
As a parent of young children, I feel it is my obligation to make certain that my girls grow up knowing the holidays as a time of giving, just as much, if not more, than receiving.
An Annual Day of Giving
As a result, my husband and I decided to create an annual “Day of Giving” during the holiday season. This day places an emphasis on giving to others, both in non-monetary and monetary ways.
Our annual “Day of Giving” is pre-planned each and every year. This way, our kids can countdown on the calendar to this fun-filled day and build their excitement for giving to others. Pre-planning the day also allows our children to brainstorm exactly what they wish to purchase for fellow children, and what charities/organizations they’d like to focus on. With young children (ages 3 and 5), the focus in our household is most often on giving to fellow children and pets.
When the day arrives, we turn on the Christmas music, make fun-filled family snacks, and sit by the lights of the Christmas tree to start the planning.
Amazon Delivering Smiles
As a HUGE fan of Amazon, it likely comes as no surprise that we decided to team up with Amazon to Deliver Smiles and make our day of giving as effective as possible.
We start by heading to the AmazonSmile Charity Lists. Here we either search directly for our charity of interest, or we choose from specific categories. It is then that we can view Charity Lists from each organization. Our goal is for each member of the family to choose their own charity so that our children feel a sense of decision-making and independence with their giving back.
Utilizing AmazonSmile Charity Lists
The entire process couldn’t be easier, or more effective. Furthermore, as parents, we feel confident that the giving back is going to a charity that can truly utilize the items. For example, given that we are HUGE dog lovers, we decided to search for dog-related charities. It was here, thanks to AmazonSmile Charity Lists, that we found “Gracie’s Dog Haven,” a charity we hadn’t known about prior, that saves senior dogs from death row at high-kill shelters, abusive and neglectful owners, and from the streets. Immediately, we knew this charity was one we wanted to help support and give back to.
Upon finding the charity, we simply clicked their list of desired items and were able to – one by one – add items to our cart that in turn are shipped directly to the charity. We continued this process with additional charities focused on children, healthcare, and education.
Thanks to AmazonSmile Charity Lists, we are not only able to educate our children about the importance of giving back, but we use the opportunity to research more about their selected charity, and educate them about those who will be receiving the items.
Two Additional Methods of Giving
It is important to note that Amazon truly makes the process of giving back as easy and effective as possible. Should the above AmazonSmile Charity Lists program not be for you and your family, they also provide two additional ways to give back through their platform.
- AmazonSmile. This program allows you to support your favorite charitable organization by having the exact same experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the purchase price of eligible products to a charity of your choice.
- Alexa. Thanks to Alexa, donating a monetary amount can be super easy. Simply say, “Alexa, I want to make a donation” and the device will help you quickly and effectively donate to the charity of your choosing.
A Non-Monetary Approach
Together as a family, we bake cookies and treats and finish the day by delivering them to neighbors, shelters, and organizations.
Reflecting on the Day
The entire day carries a focus of giving, rather than receiving. Together as a family, we are able to focus on the idea of giving back while surrounded by those we love most. As our children grow, so, too, does our hope to grow our “Day of Giving” – from working at shelters, to increasing charitable contributions, we look forward to this annual day as a family each and every holiday season.
