This is our second Christmas on Saltspring. That in itself is super awesome and amazing.
But what has impressed me beyond measure about our little island, and in particular, the school my girls attend, is their tradition of the Holiday R-R-R-R
And yes, if you say that out loud you DO sound like a seal.
The Re-duce, Re-Use, ReCycle and Re-Gift event.
Each December, families are called upon to donate items to the school. Good quality items that they no longer love, or need or use.
These items are collected, cleaned and displayed and each child in the school has a chance to come “shopping” for their families for the holiday.
After shopping, the kids bring their gifts to be wrapped and tagged by a team of Elf-ish Volunteers!
My girls were SO excited about this last year. Bring able to really choose a gift, money being no object, and find something special for each member of their family. And then to have that gift wrapped and waiting under the tree, without mom or dad even knowing what it was.
And the quality of the gifts is awesome.
If you look around your home I am sure you can find one or two lovely things that you just don’t need (I know I did!) and to be able to share these with our kids and community, well talk about gifts that give!
The gifts were assorted into tables, for Dads, Moms, babies, etc and there were helpers on hand so that the kids were able to choose appropriate items.
On day two, everyone is welcomed back in for a second go-round for other family members (Gramma, Grampa, Aunts, uncles and friends) and then the remaining items are donated.
If there is one thing I will take with me from Saltspring, this is it. The creative giving opportunity that this ONE event provides to my kids.
And while it may be too late this year, think about incorporating this into your school for the coming years. What a wonderful way for our kids to celebrate giving, without the expense!
And fingers crossed on Christmas morning I open that cool soup tureen! I can just see it filled with my Beef Bourguignon!