Christmas Tradition: Shoebox

We discovered the Christmas Shoebox Tradition when Samaritan's Purse started Operation Christmas Child. The ministry asked people to fill shoeboxes for needy children around the world. My children and I gathered up small toys, toothbrushes, and candy to give to one child. We chose "boy or girl?" and age range. 

The shoebox tradition was a great way to involve my children in giving to others while getting to do something they enjoyed: shopping for toys! As the children grew older, I found myself filling the shoebox alone because my children found other ways to give and serve at Christmas. 

This year, I decided to fill the Shoebox with my grandson Rusty who is two years old. We went to the Dollar Store together and filled the cart with small toys. We collected toy dinosaurs, balls, stickers, jungle animals, an etch-a-sketch, and a slinky. Now, of course, Rusty came home with some of his own toys, but we had the joy of shopping for others together. I hope it's a new tradition we will continue.

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You can learn more about Operation Christmas Child at Samaritan's Purse. What an easy way to give at Christmas!

If you are looking for ways to grow in Christ over the holidays, I want to share my Christmas family devotions with you. They are available at our JoyfulandSuccessfulHomeschooling.com website on the Free E-book Gifts page. 

We also have Christmas Resources for you! 
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Celebrate Christmas with a Traveling Dinner
Celebrate Christmas with Cookies
Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study
Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America Unit Study
Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study

Merry Christmas!
​Meredith Curtis

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