’Tis the Season to Spread Love
The holidays are undoubtedly our favorite time of year. Here at Educated Nannies, we love the weather, the music, the food, the comradery, and spending quality time with our families. But more than anything, we love the opportunity to serve alongside our children as we spread holiday cheer. We teach our children about showing concern for others throughout the year; but during the holidays, we truly focus on showing others how much we care. ’Tis the season to spread love!
Research shows that volunteering yields impressive benefits for people. Those who participate in service projects perform better in school, have increased self-confidence, feel a greater sense of purpose, and are less likely to experience depression later in life. Volunteering also increases social and relationship skills and creates memories that last a lifetime.
This holiday season, we encourage you to gather your children (even the littlest ones), get involved, and volunteer. Here are a few ideas!
Sing holiday songs at a local nursing home. It would be great fun to invite a few friends and extended family to join in on the activity. The coordinators at nursing facilities welcome guests. Residents thoroughly enjoy spending time with young people and watching them put on a great show. The smiles on the faces of the residents will remain etched in your children’s minds forever.
Visit a homeless shelter and wrap donated gifts for children who live there. This is a great way to teach your children the importance of being grateful and show kindness towards other children. Call a shelter near you and inquire about opportunities.
Donate gently worn clothes and toys to Goodwill, Hope of the Valley, or Rescue Mission Alliance. Children can clean up and make room for additional goodies in their home, and then donate to those in need. It’s a win-win!
Volunteer at a local food bank. Help unpack, sort, and re-pack boxes of donated holiday goods to distribute to families in need. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is a great place to start. (https://www.lafoodbank.org/)
Adopt-a-Soldier. Write a thank you letter, draw a picture, and send a care package to a troop who is serving overseas. There are hundreds of thousands of men and women who help keep our country safe. Adopt-a-soldier and let him/her know you care and appreciate his/her sacrifice. (http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/index.php)
Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and PURPOSEFUL holiday season!
