The Jesus Gift

About 4 years ago we started a new tradition in our house inspired by a post I read on another blog, 1plus1plus1equals1 . We call ours the Jesus gift.
Each year we have a special gift under our Christmas tree; a gift from our family to Jesus. As He doesn't really need material things, being in heaven and all, we give him our hearts in acts of kindness and service. During the run up to Christmas we choose something to do, as a family, for others.
We have bought supplies for a baby clinic, put together Santa shoe boxes for under privileged children and taken gingerbread biscuits to a frail care centre. This tradition is our way of redirecting our children's focus off of themselves and the commercialism of Christmas towards others. The Jesus gift encourages them to see that there are less fortunate people out there. It teaches them that Christmas is about giving gifts to others, as a response to the love and grace we receive from God.
And so the first gift we open on Christmas morning is our Jesus gift. We talk about whose birthday we are celebrating and we thank God for his goodness. Inside the box we put photos of whatever it is we did for others this Christmas season. Then, of course, we descend in to a present opening frenzy, just like every other family out there, and the focus shifts back to who got what.
Our aim is to grow this tradition as our children get older to a point where they will give willingly of their own time and money. During a time of self centered, pleasure seeking we want our kids to see beyond their own wants and needs. To see the plight of others and recognize the madness that is commercial Christmas. We want them to celebrate a christian Christmas with Jesus and love at the centre.