With Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of to-do lists, lights, and tinsel and miss out on the real blessing of Christmas.  Parents focus on buying gifts, wrapping presents, and attending parties.  Kids can focus on the exciting gifts they’re going to get.  I know I can get caught up in making a Pinterest perfect Christmas.  You know?  A gorgeous Christmas card I wouldn’t mind sending the President, a tree that belongs in a storefront window, Christmas cookies that are so perfect they’ll earn thousands of repins on Pinterest, and beautifully wrapped, perfectly chosen Christmas gifts that will make their recipients squeal with joy.  I’m not standing on a pedestal by any means.  I can get caught up in the whirlwind just as much as the next person.  It’s very possible for Christmas to come and go without everyone realizing just how much we already have.  The enormous amount of blessings we’ve already received and the real reason for celebrating in the first place.  This time of year, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s the perfect opportunity for kids to experience the joy and blessings that comes from sharing the unconditional love of Christ, through giving to and selflessly serving other.

Here are a few simple ideas I’ve came up with to bless others:

• Donate can goods to a local food pantry
• Donate new toys in your gift drawer or closet to Toys for Tots
• Make and deliver a meal to a grieving family or a family with a sick loved one
• Donate a couple of hours of free babysitting for new parents
• Rake up the leaves in an elderly friend’s house
• Clean out your closets to donate to GoodWill or the Salvation Army
• Give few more dollars in the plate at church
• Prepare a gift for those new to the neighborhood
• Send a letter and a box of non-perishable goodies to a soldier
• Have the kids make and mail cards to missionaries
• Put together a shoebox (or more) for Operation Christmas Child

Mercy recognizes the stress that we allow ourselves to be put under during this season that is meant to be full of joy.  They want to remind us that ‘Our greatest blessing is to see others blessed.’ Let’s take a moment to count our blessings together here and later visit www.ourblessingscount.com to share how you’ve been blessed with others!

I would love to hear the ways that you consciously choose to bless your family by allowing them to give and serve others.  If you have any suggestions for raising grateful, giving children I would love to hear them!    

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mercy. The opinions and text are all mine.