When the festive season is upon us, I always feel it is a great privilege to spend this special time around children as it reminds us of what Christmas is all about. Schools already have many creative ways of fundraising and making memories at Christmas but it is also a unique opportunity to give back.
Read on to find out some super simple ways we foster the Christmas spirit while doing a good thing. What’s not to love!
Christmas Carolling/Sing Song
In the words of Elf himself, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by “singing loud for all to hear!” Get in touch with your local shop and arrange a time for your class to sing songs outside the shop in the run up to Christmas. Pop a Christmas playlist on each day and simply let the children learn/practice all the songs. Invite the children to wear their Christmas hats and jumpers on the day and pop a bucket in front of the group.
Discussion opportunity: An age appropriate chat with the children about which charity they would like to fundraise for can also lead to in-depth conversations about the challenges and difficulties that some people and families face in society and how different organisations aim to help.
Shoe Box appeal
There are lots of different versions of the shoe box appeal out there at the moment. You could choose to do a formal one with one of the leading charities, or you could keep it more local.
I suggest getting in touch with your local Vincent de Paul group, or a local homeless hostel or charity. Ask them what it is that the charity needs at this time e.g. toiletries, socks, small toys etc.
Avoid putting pressure on any families by asking each child to bring in one thing. You can then assemble 2/3 shoeboxes from your class. It can be lovely if the children write Christmas cards to add to the box.
Discussion opportunity: By talking to the children about the specific items being requested by organisations, they can begin to understand how they can make charitable activities more effective, focussed and involving. The organisations you speak to may also have resources you can use in class to help.
Take a look at https://www.teamhope.ie/christmas-shoebox-appeal/ or www.carepack.ie
Dress Up Day
Children love an opportunity to ditch their uniform and dress up, and what better occasion than Christmas to do so. Invite the children to wear their finest Christmas jumper and Santa hat for a colours day.
Discussion opportunity: Children can donate one or two Euro to a charity of their choice. Again, this is a great way to incorporate student voice by allowing them to choose the charity themselves.
Santa Hat walk
You can take the dress up day idea further (and incorporate some exercise) by holding a Santa hat walk. This is a great activity for the last couple of days before Christmas when everyone needs to let off a little bit of energy. Go for a walk around your locality on your dress up day and spread some Christmas cheer!
Discussion opportunity: They will need to wrap up warm for a walk outside but this is a good opportunity to talk about the difficulties some people might face in a cold winter, particularly the elderly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Christmas can often become a time of endless treats and gifts. Incorporating some of these activities will teach children about those in need, especially at Christmas. It’s also important to remember that in our current climate, some families may or may not have much to donate, so if you are fundraising, remind your school community that all donations big or small are gratefully received.
Happy Christmas!
Aoife.
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