Give More to Neighbors and Strangers

Many of us already give charitably at Christmastime, but often our kids are not involved and may not even be aware that we gave. Choose options for giving that allow the whole family to get involved; remember, this is not just giving it's also teaching. Our kids need to learn the value --and experience the fulfillment--of giving at Christmastime.

Depending on how you've decided to Spend Less this Christmas, you can choose as a family to take your savings and give it to others. Here are a few options (or make your own suggestions as a comment on this post):

• Identify a single mom, widow or widower in your neighborhood and give them a gift or service for Christmas.
• Deliver cookies or hot chocolate to your neighbors.
• Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program (www.angeltree.org)
• Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org)
• Prepare care packages for soldiers who are away from their families this Christmas.
• At the Springs, we're collecting gift cards for families in Galveston devastated by Hurricane Ike. Bring your cards to our Family Christmas Celebration on 12/21. Kids will have an opportunity during the service to decorate and personalize an envelope and Christmas card to put the gifts cards in when we deliver them.