Family Secret Santas

This year we are really trying to emphasisize the true spirit of Christmas alongside the excitement and constant chatter about the writing of Christmas Lists to Santa and presents etc.  We want the kids to know that the true spirit of the season involves thinking of others and helping others.  And in the words of Christopher Dilts (via About.com):

"The true spirit of Christmas is generosity. Not the generosity of material gifts and presents, but the generosity of your own loving presence. Give more of your own loving presence and less of the token presents this year. Yes, there is pleasure in enjoying material gifts, but what is remembered, what lasts, is the presence of the loving soul giving love generously and unconditionally to another. This presence lasts for all time..."

and

"This is the highest gift of Christmas giving: to see the goodness in another, to recognize, acknowledge and reflect this goodness back to them. This can be done with a loving look, a kind gesture, a warm embrace, a few words of encouragement, or an expression that is as rich and elaborate as you wish. "

Or the words of Deanna Mascle (via Buzzle):

"In order to embrace the true Christmas spirit you must be willing to give. Give of yourself, your time and your love, and give of your worldly possessions. Do not think of the gifts you give to others as an obligation or duty, but think of it as a symbol of your love for them."

So with this in mind, last night we started a new Christmas tradition - Family Secret Santas.  At dinner we drew names out of a hat, and each person has to do something nice for the person whose name they drew - each day until Christmas Eve.  Then, before bedtime on Christmas Eve, before the kids are allowed to open one present, we will each fill out little postcards revealing who we were "Secret Santa" for, and jot down some of the nice things that we did for that person during the month.