The Tradition of Giving Gifts with Meaning Even when times are hard it still seems that one of the easiest things to give of is money.  When we give gifts it is easy to just flippantly buy something for someone, especially as children. While, it is a very important lesson to teach children how to save their money with the end result not being purchasing something for themselves; sometimes the more difficult gift to give is giving of yourself, your time.  Because giving the gift of time seems more difficult as adults, this is a valuable habit or tradition to teach your children.  For the last few weeks we have discussed planning a family gift to Jesus or ministry opportunity.  Once that gift is planned you can then get your children excited about looking for ways to serve each other in the home and giving gifts of themselves.  Parents can lead by example.  A fun, possibly funny, idea for parents is to give your children coupon books for items of service as stocking stuffers. Something like, one coupon good for mom or dad doing one load of your laundry or helping you clean your room.  Get as creative as you want, even with something like a late bed pass good for an staying up an hour later on the weekends or a coupon good for the homemade meal of their choice. Help your kids with ideas for gifts of service for their siblings […]