The holiday season is upon us, and it’s truly my favorite time of year. The precious time spent with family and friends, the heightened level of cheer and goodwill, the Hallmark movies, the FOOD…..Yes, it’s clearly a season I love.
However, in the midst of the parties, holiday activities, and the presents, I’ve noticed a tendency for kids to start to think more about what their getting rather than what they can give. Whether it’s the onslaught on Christmas ads, the stores filled to the brim with goodies, or even well-meaning family members asking all about “the perfect gift,” kids (and adults too) can begin to get “wrapped up in themselves” (pardon the pun), rather than looking for ways to be a gift to others.
One thing that I’ve found to help this predicament is intentionally practicing acts of kindness toward others during this season. To make it even more fun, we’ve turned it into a game. For the past several years, my family has played this Christmas Kindness Bingo Game, and it has been such a joy to watch!
The premise is simple. Each day, draw a bingo card and complete that act of kindness. As you progress through the holiday season, not only does the board get filled, but we’re all reminded of the truth that is really is more blessed to give than to receive.
There are a few different ways you can play, depending on the ages of your kids (and how many you have). No matter how you play, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a great addition to your holiday season. The download includes instructions for three different at home versions.
This year I decided to make a classroom edition as well, so we can spread some holiday cheer and kindness around our school community as well.
While there are a few “at home” tasks that students will complete after the school day, the majority of the kindness challenges are things that can easily be integrated into your day. It’s always a delight to see the students step up to the challenge, and even better to hear the feedback from the staff.
We’ve already gotten started in my classroom this year, and I can’t wait to see how it impacts the students, our school community, and beyond!
I don’t know about you, but stickers seem to make everything more fun for my kids (both my own and my students). So, I print the small BINGO drawing cards on these full sticker labels (affiliate link), and once they’ve completed the activity, they get to put the sticker on the board. Instant engagement!!
Is this something you’d like to try? Whether you want to use this as an activity with your family or want to bring it into your classroom, click below to grab this Holiday Kindness BINGO for FREE!!
GRAB YOUR HOME AND FAMILY EDITION HERE
GRAB YOUR CLASSROOM EDITION HERE
