As a child, the holiday seasons brought me joy because I
got a new toy. I remember my mother started a new family tradition, to get a
new toy, I had to pick one to donate. As an eight-year-old that was an
outrageous thought—Why? My toys are mine, all mine! My mother would go on to
explain that other children are less fortunate and don’t have any toys at all
to play. The thought of how unhappy I would be without my worn-out doll; I
quickly selected a toy to donate. As my mother gathered the donated toys from
my siblings and I, she arranged with a friend to pick up the toys. When my mother
handed a bag full of toys to her friend—she beamed with happiness. Now as an
adult, I still remember the reaction of my mother’s friend to the gesture of
generosity, a value my mom taught me.
The holiday season is overwhelming—making list, buying
gifts, or planning family visits—who stays where and when--whew! However, the
holiday season is a great way to instill a family value: generosity. A study
done by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, 2018, showed that charitable giving
is passed from parents to children. Growing up, my mother taught me to donate
toys, time and gifts to others that are going through a rough situation.
Although as a child it was difficult to comprehend giving away “my stuff” to
strangers, now I cherish those teachable moments. Whether you’re buying a gift
or picking from the Angel Tree’s Salvation Army Program for someone special or
volunteering is a great way to pass on the legacy of generosity to family
members.
