Creating One Big Happy Family Memory this Christmas

Mommy! I want to put that on my Christmas list! My boys exclaim just about every time we’re in a store.

I’m pretty sure their list is a mile long by now! On the one hand, I’m glad my plan of “put that on your wish list” has helped my kids learn to defer their expectations. On the other, my long-term plan is to help them understand that one more toy won’t make them happier.

Gymboree asked me to share with you our One Big Happy family moments during the holidays. I knew exactly one moment that makes us happy this time of year. And it’s not one more toy!

Filling shoeboxes makes us happy!

For the past five years, our family has been packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for kids all over the world. Not only is it so fun to shop for other kids, but it also turns my children’s attention away from wanting things for themselves. Giving to other kids encourages my kids to think outside their own world. They enjoy running through the store finding things for “their boys” (we pack boxes for boys their same ages so they feel a strong connection).

When we first start talking about the shoeboxes each year, the boys naturally want the toys for themselves. But we build in conversation that turns their hearts towards giving: “Your boy probably doesn’t have a flashlight like you do,” or “I bet your boy would love to have a toy car like you have.”

As the boxes fill, our kids are reminded of how much they have already, that other kids may not have. By the time the boxes are full, our hearts are full too. Full of longing to do more, give more, help more.

Filling shoeboxes for kids is one of our One Big Happy moments during the holidays! Some years we’ve had a shoebox filling playdate with other families. This year, we got the kids into the giving spirit with a decorating party at home.

Festive music, fun holiday outfits for the boys to wear, and time to get crafty on those shoeboxes took up our morning. We had such a happy time finishing our shoebox giving project. We decorated the boxes with drawings, cards, and stickers to send them off with all our love inside! I got some boxes of foam Christmas letters and helped the boys spell out messages on the top of their shoebox lids! I know, the kids who receive them probably can’t even speak English, but hopefully as the boxes travel, those who do will get a smile!

Getting into the Christmas spirit!

Pictures of the boys get included, so whatever child receives our shoebox can see the little boys who helped send it off to them!

Since shoebox packing happens long before even Thanksgiving, we dressed the boys up in cute mix and match holiday outfits from Gymboree to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

My youngest especially loved the penguin sweater as he’s really into penguins right now, and the little bear boots will keep his feet warm all winter. The plaid button down gives his outfit a little bit of dress-up for other special holiday activities!

Doesn’t my oldest look so grown up in red-checkered shirt and snowflake sweater? Fleece-lined jeans are merry, as well as warm for our cold winters!

Packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, blesses our family. It certainly is One Big Happy moment for us! It’s also something your family could get involved with too! There’s still a little time!

Watch this video about more One Big Happy moments with Gymboree!

Win a $75 Gymboree Gift Card!

I’d love to hear about your One Big Happy Christmas moments! To enter the giveaway, fill out the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Gymboree. All opinions are my own.