Thanksgiving is an acquired holiday for us.
In trying to understand the celebration of pilgrims and Native Americans coming together around a bountiful table in peace and solidarity, we find a great teaching opportunity for our children.
Our focus has two parts. First, we talk to them about tolerance and learning from each other. To this end we discuss all month long a different culture to ours. We cook their foods, visit their restaurants and if possible spend time with people that belong to the chosen culture. This will highlight to the kids that in the end, despite our difference we are one Possibly with the same hopes and dreams.
This year we are discovering the Japanese culture. Let us know if you have tips and recommendations for us!
For the second part, we translate the beauty of the holiday and the message of peace and hope into the channel of helping others in order to appreciate what we have.
Sometimes what one person might complain about is the dream of another, and the recognition of the good things around us can make our grievances seem petty.
This year we are doing a couple of things to support those in need.
First we are going through our toys and clothes and choosing those in best shape to share with less fortunate children. Our kids are doing this task with us, and are understanding that their unwanted items can bring plenty of joy to others as they have come with us to distribute our stash.
Seeing our little ones, play and giveaway selfishly some of their once favorite items warms the heart and makes mom proud!
Secondly, we are having our own food drive. We have created a little flyer and are sharing it with our friends and family asking them to contribute with canned goods that we will in turn take to a local orphanage on November 20th. Those who participate will receive an original masterpiece inspired in the emblematic holiday icon: the turkey made by our children who are making their own “Thank you” cards with all types of turkey versions. So far we have handed out 150 flyers and 5 Thank you cards. We are optimistic, and the kids are busy crafting away and counting our current can stock.
We are hoping for a big turn out, but regardless of how big or small our can inventory ends up being, we are truly aiming at creating, this spirit of giving and helping that should be a constant in our children’s lives. Teach them to appreciate the simple things and be thankful for what they have, and what they don’t.
We wish you an enriching and loving holiday surrounded by those dearest to you. Hug them tight and give thanks for having them in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is a sponsored post as a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories stated here are clearly my own
Privacy -Disclosure
Awesome, my son and I are also trying to help and give back. Great ideas
That is great Mónica!
How awesome is that! I love it. And I love the idea of exploring other cultures during this time. Let me know what you end up doing.
Yes Sili discovering other cultures to us is another way of giving back as we raise citizens of the world that through understanding and tolerance can one day live in a peaceful world
that´s awsome! good for you! you are teaching your kids a great spirit of giving! congratulations for that and happy thanksgiving month!
Thanks! We are definitively trying!
Me encantan estas ideas. Maravilloso poder conocer detalles de otras culturas, tan legendarias como la japonesa, me parece fascinante.
Nosotras tambien hacemos pequenas donaciones, la peque disfruta mucho ayudando a quienes nos necesitan.
Estamos inventando como educamos mientras nos divertimos para no olvidar fácilmente
Me encanta la idea! Soy amante de costumbres tipicas!
Sii nos encanta integrar nuevas a las tradicionales nuestras
Que buena idea nunca habia pensado el incorporar la cultura en la comida.
En mi país dicen que el amor entra por la boca 😉
Es importante realizar este tipo de actividades para que los niños se den cuenta… no solamente de los que tienen más, sino de que hay muchas criaturas con carencias.. Que gesto tan noble.
Valorar lo que tenemos pequeño y grande!
I love that you are helping your kids to develop empathy for others. I love it! We are also donating meals and toys this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Great minds think and act alike. So do great moms 😉
excelente iniciativa!! asi los niños van aprendiendo a que todos somos iguales 🙂
Asi un día viviremos en paz y armonía gracias a la tolerancia y el entendimiento!
Me encanto, gracias por los tips y por compartir, es una muy linda y noble iniciativa!
FELICITACIONES!!!
http://www.MamiHolisticaygenial.com
Gracias!
Namaste
Muy buena idea de integrar el concepto de ayuda a otros para estas fechas y enseñarlo a los niños. Así crecen sensibles ante las necesidades de los demás.
This comment has been removed by the author.
What an awesome idea. Great way of using this as a lesson for the kids. Thanks for sharing and I hope more thank you cards get sent out.
Thank You! 50 cards out and counting!!!
Me encanto y pues en verdad creo que es bien importante siempre inculcarles a nuestros pequeños a compartir,
I love the emphasis on giving back. Hubby and I give back a lot and it really doesn’t take much time or income to be able to give. It’s definitely a great way to teach your children strong moral values and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start.
Amén! We can always do what we set our mind to. Even if small, it all ads ups and helps
Que linda forma de enseñar a los niños el valor tan importante de ser agradecidos y siempre ayudar a los mas necesitados. Gracias por compartir… Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hadn’t seen it that way but you are right about education tolerance and understanding for peace!
Me gusta, me gusta cada vez que veo maneras diferentes de inculcarle a los niños buenos valores y costumbres de forma divertida.
Teaching children the importance of gratitude and being grateful for what they have is so important. I’m so glad we met via Britax and look forward to seeing you again in 2013, sending you and your family many blessings for Thanksgiving and Beyond!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Happy Thanksgiving! What a great post! I love how during the holidays we take the time to say thank you. I am so grateful for my life, my family and everyone who inspires me.
Happy Thanksgiving! Giving during the holiday is definitely the best part. 😉 As far as celebrating a new culture for the holidays, some great ways to explore cultures are by exploring their religious practices, traditions and politics.