Teaching daughter charity at Christmas

[olliebot]

I am looking for a way to teach my daughter (3) all about giving and charity at Christmas. She is very focused on gifts (as most 3 year olds are )and how many she is going to get. I have tried explaining to her that some people don't even have money for food, let alone toys for their kids. I would like to show her in a hands-on way that is appropriate to her age. She is usually a very caring and compassionate little girl but when it comes to toys she tends to be a bit greedy. Any suggestions?

[xnewfiex]

Kids are only young once, i say wait untill she get's old enough to make her own decisions about charity.
If you feel strong enough about her giving to charity, tell "Santa" to give less gifts.

[mmmom]

I have taken my kids to Toys r us every year Since they were old enough and asked them to pick out a toy to donate. We haven't gone yet this year and my kids who are 4 and 6 have been begging to go. My daughters school also does a fantastic job gathering for the the food bank and making Christmas hampers for families. We always contribute as much as we can because I think the best way to teach them is to show them.

[frugalkitty]

Perhaps ask her to donate some of her old toys after Christmas?

Or at anytime during the year, Christmas is a great time for giving but there seems to sometimes be too much focus on giving near Christmas time (in my opinion)

[Daisiefire]

I would pick out a toy to donate together. Maybe look into Samaritans purse(hope that's the spelling) I'm focusing on letting my four year old pick out presents, so. He doesn't think presents magically appear just for him.