How can I provide a wonderful Christmas for children?

Question

Here's the scoop: I'm a 23 year old with 11 godchildren (I know what some are thinking: What did you get yourself into?) and 10 nieces and nephews (the ones under 14 I only count). I want to provide all of these children a wonderful Christmas simply because that's what my late mother who died in 2001 would want. I am not really in the Christmas spirit because as the youngest child I'm still grieving for her and a sister who died as well. Financially speaking, money is no object. I have saved all year and have two thousand alone saved for Christmas without using credit. I just don't know where to start. Please give me advice. For parents of young ones, how do you provide for your children to have a happy Christmas. For grandparents or anyone for that matter, how do you bring joy in your youngings life during this holiday. I want them to know the true meaning of Christmas as well -- Jesus, sharing, giving, etc. I'm not religious, but that's what Christmas is about. Thank you!

Answer 1

I am 20 years old with 2 kids. My oldest will be 3 years old on Jan 5th. We don't have a lot, one bedroom apartment and so on but that little girl for christmas she wants to "give elmo to a kid with no toys" so she is going to donate her fav. little elmo. For me thats what it is all about she knew she wasn't going to be able to get anything new, but she still wanted to help other kids.

If you really want to show them what christmas is all about take a few of them at a time (the ones that are old enough) to do something for people that are needy in the community.. Volunteer at a shelter to sereve food, hand out christmas boxes (the boxes with food and a small toy or item) to the needy, stuff along that line..

If you want to give them something try either one little christmas stuffed animal holding a little certificate for time with you or a card with the certificate. Just you and one kid at a time together either just hanging out, going to a park, go out to dinner, chuck e cheese, go to a movie mall. Or whatever depending on their age. Spending time with 'em shows more love then material items.

Answer 2

If your looking at spreading the Christmas spirit...there are great books out there that tellth emeaning of christmas. One I found for my kids (4 and1) is "What is Christmas" by Michelle Medlock Adams. It's a board book that goes through everthing they're seeing right now...the tree and lights, the presents, Santa, baking, etc, shows that yes they are a part of Christmas, but Jesus is the reason there is a Christmas day. My kids love it! Another is to start a great tradition...if you live close by, come up with something that you can do every year (what was your Mom's favorite tradition, maybe revive that one and keep it going)
Or make it a point to attend as many of their Christmas programs in school or church as possible.
My kids love the baking and wrapping of presents and always point and ask who's present it is.
If you are looking to bring joy by gifts...simply ask their parents, this way you know what the child wants and this way you know you won't double up on what they have already gotten for them.
I would start by compiling a list and then heading to your nearest Target/Walmart or even easier go to a amazon.com and have everything shipped to you!

Answer 3

Best gift you could give a child is Your Time... maybe a book or DVD about the true meaning of Christmas.. with gift cards saying something like... "good for 1 trip Out with me to dinner and a movie...

Answer 4

You can go in a volunteer camp with them all, they'll see how hard it is for other children; they'll sing, they'll pray and they have a lot of joy, I'm sure because children like to help better then us.

If you cannot stay with them, sing carols, go to the park, to the zoo...something that could make them happy. Your time with them it's the best gift!
May God give you the wisdom you need!