Holiday Gift-Giving Verse

By Meagan Rose Wilson |  |

Little boy reading a book about animals
Child reading a book about animals
Child looking at the cover of a book about orangutans
Child reading about animals

Our holiday gift giving verse is slightly different from the original one you’ll find floating around the internet:

  • Something you want
  • Something you need
  • Something to give
  • Something to read

The third line often reads, “Something to wear” but I find between the blessing of hand-me-downs and the love of grandparents, my children’s closets are too full. Our third line is about the true spirit of Christmas- giving. During the lead up to Christmas, the children go through a wide assortment of charitable pamphlets from WWF to Greenpeace to Oxfam to local charities and hospitals as well. They choose a charity that resonates with them and we make a donation. The Oxfam Unwrapped program is especially interesting for younger children as they can see photos of a cow or a flock of chickens that will go to a family in need and this makes the experience a bit more tangible for them.

Meagan Rose Wilson

Meagan Wilson is a parent educator and author of the now-retired seasonal series of Whole Family Rhythms. After finishing a BA, she went on to complete her Foundations in Steiner Education and Anthroposophy at Sydney Steiner College, as well as her Waldorf Early Childhood Certification at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto. She has received her certification as a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach and has supported hundreds of parents to create a strong family rhythm unique to their own values and culture. She has four young children. Meagan provides resources, support and information to parents who are looking for a bridge to cross between their unique family life and their children’s (often but not always) Waldorf schools.

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4 Comments

  1. katie on November 24, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Meagan, this is a lovely idea. I think I’ll have to steal it and use it with my family.. I remember back last Christmas you did a post about what family traditions you do in the lead up to Christmas. I’m wanting to start my own family advent traditions, but i couldn’t find your post to refer to it.. anything special your happy to share again would be wonderful.

    Reply
  2. Meagan on November 26, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Thanks Katie,

    I am working on an advent post right now… just need to get it in action. xo m.

    Reply
  3. talik on November 25, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Hi Meagan, any updates on the advent post? xx

    Reply
  4. Meagan on November 26, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    Hi Talik, There is the advent post here: http://wholefamilyrhythms.typepad.com/my-blog/2014/11/the-first-light-of-advent-is-the-light-of-stone-stones-that-live-in-crystals-seashells-and-bones-the-second-light-of.html

    But this year I won’t really have any changes or updates as we are preparing for a move overseas that falls right at the end of the holidays. This year I am replying totally on our usual traditions and not adding anything new to the mix. Keeping it very simple. Much love. Meagan.

    Reply

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