Christmas and kindness kinda’ seem like they should go together. But in the bustling business of Christmas traditions it can be hard to go out of your way for someone else. Don’t get me wrong, I love decorating the tree, drinking egg-nog, and stringing lights all over our home. In fact, I love the traditions of Christmas so much, that I go out of my way to make sure that things are exactly the same year after year. (For those who have been following for a while, yes, the infamous popcorn strings from our first year of marriage are on our tree yet again, and they still surprise me by looks wonderfully white and cheerful)
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is one that intentionally re-focuses us. My kids call it the Christmas Kindness Game. It is so simple, yet it has changed the focus of our holiday immensely. At some point during advent each child is given $10. They are then turned loose to bless someone, anyone, on their own.
The rules of the game are simple:
You can’t buy a gift for your own family or friends, but you may serve them.- You may bless as many or as few people as you choose.
- If at all possible, the gift must be anonymous.
- You may enlist co-conspiritors to help with the blessing, but they are sworn to secrecy.
- Any change left-over from a primary project may not be kept. The entire $10 must be spent before December 25th.
Seeing who the kids choose to bless, and how they use their own personal gifts, time, and talents to stretch that $10 to reach the most people is both heartwarming and humbling. They have spent days, maybe even weeks, planning and plotting the perfect blessing.
I adore these little people! They force me to recognize the needs around me, and hold me accountable to live out my faith.
Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Baking favorite recipes and singing carols isn’t really the meaning of the season, is it? It isn’t even about gathering together with family. The real purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the amazing gift of Christ birth.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
The Christmas Kindness Game can seem intimidating when you start – but I promise, that $10 is more than enough to help your community. Need ideas on how to begin? Print out these location specific RAK idea lists (leftovers from P’s Random Acts of Kindness 40th Birthday Party) and enlist your family for some Christmas Kindness Game fun!
Merry Christmas!
Sheryl
