Most shopping centers and lots of other stores, libraries, schools and churches have a giving tree set out each holiday season. The trees usually contain the name of a child and one of their top Christmas wishes. This weekend I was at the Clackamas Town Center and came across their tree. The tree was FULL. I guess not many had noticed it yet. The tags on the tree included names like Jesse, Jamal, Matt, and Abby. These kids weren't looking for much. One boy wanted a wallet, another an umbrella, and another a pair of gloves. It was heartbreaking.
I was surrounded by kids telling their parents they wanted a shopping spree at Nordstrom's and Aeropostle and Wet Seal and Abercrombie, and hearing, "Can't we just go to Paris for Christmas again?"
I wanted to take all of the tags off the tree. But, I left some for you! Better yet, go to your local giving tree with your children and let them choose the child and maybe even buy the gift with money they earn from you, by doing extra chores. It's a fantastic way to teach charity and a great time to encourage your kids to be grateful for what they have.
