Recently I read an inspiring story about a woman afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis who experienced a remission of symptoms after following a prescription to give “29 gifts in 29 days.”  

In the spirit of the holiday season, giving is on everyone’s mind.  But is it in everyone’s heart?  Do we give because we truly want to or because we have a sense of obligation?  Due to the magnitude of work that the holiday season entails, I’m afraid that many of us lose sight of the true giving spirit.

Reading about the 29-day giving challenge inspired me to adopt this idea in my family.  My children, ages 12,11, and 6 enthusiastically embraced the idea.  Together we came up with a list of possible gifts, especially those that don’t cost money.  Here are some of our ideas:

•  A compliment
•  a blessing
• assistance
• humor

In addition, we decided to challenge ourselves to give to a different person each day including a stranger and a person we don’t like or get along with.  We also included the intention to give an anonymous gift and a gift that was magnificent.  The catch: don’t tell anyone what you gave (thereby focusing on the giving and not the recognition for giving.)

Talking Points with Tweens and Teens

•  What is the most difficult thing for you to give?
•  How can your talents be a gift to the world?
• How do you benefit from giving?

This giving experiment has been anything but challenging.  It has elevated our energy and re-kindled the goodwill within us.  It also reinforces the fact that even small children have a lot to give.  Showing a child that she is capable of positively affecting the world around her, raises her self-esteem.