In your family culture, you may cultivate ways of giving that are authentic and meaningful to each other. Part of that is in valuing alternative ways and inventing new ways of giving. Can we give and receive homemade cards, helpful favors, and deeds – instead of only newly bought things? As gifts, can we pass down heirlooms that hold our family stories?
You could create participatory giving projects. You may make a fundraiser for a special cause and even make a gathering activity to galvanize it, like a dance-a-thon. In this vision of gifting, community and purpose are highlighted. Another approach to gifting altruistically is offering a giving opportunity to a person you are celebrating. This can be done by donating in their name to a charity supportive of their growing values.
Through participatory activities, you can cultivate the gift of presence over the gift of presents. In a gathering, people might offer poems or drawings to be compiled for the honoree. A simple drawing or painting by a child can be framed. This is a perfect gift!
It is important for adults to support children’s giving. It cultivates the joy of giving within the child’s experience and learning process, and it can be a deep process for the facilitating adult that might involve growing some new skills. Just as importantly, it becomes incredibly special for the gift receiver.
Finally, from the child to the adult, there is the invaluable gift of intentional helpfulness. A gift of deed promises a specific action of helpfulness. The sidebar has a coupon example that outlines a few deeds that can be lovingly redeemed upon request.
My Gifts in Deed are Actions of Helpfulness “I am happy to be a helper! What can I do to create the gift of helpfulness to you?” for_________________ from____________________ Gladly, I will fold laundry Joyfully, I will clean Happily, I will cook Sweetly, I will sing a song Responsibly, I will prepare the recycling Wildly, I will dance with you Kindly, I will rub your back Caringly, I will ____ _______ Lovingly, I will ____ _______ Generously, I will write and read a poem out loud to you Curiously, I will listen to your childhood stories Adventurously, I will try something new with you
