The Season of Generosity (and gingerbread)

It’s December! A time that we usually spend together with friends and family. A time that we spend rushing around, attending Christmas parties and programs, braving the holiday shopping crowds, and a time that is focused on what WE want. But this December will be a bit different for us with everything that’s happening in the world and it’s the perfect time to slow down and think for a minute, think about those who maybe need a little pick-me up or those who have less than we do.

Do you know what generosity means? When I asked my students this week what it means to be generous, they weren’t able to answer – most of them had never even heard the word “generous” before. It took some explaining from our classroom elf “Jingle” who taught us that: Generosity means to be willing to give more of what you have to those in need. It means going the extra mile and showing kindness to others. There is something that happens in our hearts when we act generously. Joy fills our hearts. Honestly, we are all very familiar with the word “MINE”. I mean who hasn’t watched a child have a “meltdown” because they don’t want to share their toy – maybe they don’t understand what it means to share. It’s our job as parents and teachers to help children understand why sharing is important and what it means to be generous.

We were challenged by our elf, and now I’m challenging you, to find a good deed that you can do for those around you. So how can you be generous this weekend? Here’s and idea to get you started: Bake some cookies and leave them on the door step of someone who could use a smile. Place them in jars, tie a pretty ribbon around them and go for a walk. (Here is my favourite Gingerbread recipe to help you out!)

Gingerbread Cookies

½ c. shortening ½ c. sugar ½ c. molasses ¼ c. water 2 ½ c. flour 1 tsp. ginger ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. all spice

Cream together sugar and shortening. Blend in molasses and water. Mix in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll dough out on floured surface. Cut into shapes and place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake.

350° 8-10 min