Sometimes we think of children as thoughtless and egocentric entities. Certainly the on television today we often see conniving, mean-spirited little characters. We hear in the speech of youngsters the idioms they hear on television. However, we can still be surprised by the integrity and generosity of youngsters.

Recently we had a conversation about Christmas with our son Michael and his family. We heard that they had been discussing making a donation of goats rather than giving large gifts this Christmas. It started out as a joke but it has become a serious consideration.

In particular our granddaughter Sullivan has embraced the idea. She needed confirmation that there would still be stockings then she agreed that it was a good idea to help others. I happen to know that Sullivan really wants an iPod and speakers for Christmas; yet she was willing to consider the needs of others ahead of her own.

This reminded me of a time when I was a little girl. I imagine I was about seven years old. At school we made sachets for our mothers for Mother’s Day. I faced the dilemma of having a gift for my mom but nothing for my two beloved grandmas and my dear auntie, all of whom I would be seeing on Mother’s Day. In an act of pure generosity I took the sachet apart, divided it into four tiny bundles and presented them with great pride. I seem to recall a mildly disapproving response from my mother but I was not deterred. In my little girl brain I recognized that I had done something generous and inclusive.

Sullivan is a particularly generous child. She has often considered her older sister when there have been discussion about treats or movies or new outfits. She frequently offers to help with cooking or household chores when she is at our house. Sullivan is a fine model for the adults who know and love her. We all need to be as thoughtful and generous as Sullivan.

In this Holiday Season those of us who have so much might consider ways that we can be generous. What might we be willing to sacrifice in order to help and support others? Who is deserving of our help?

I recognize that there are many deserving projects and charities throughout the world. However, I often think of David Suzuki’s suggestion that if everyone thought locally and acted locally most of the world’s problems would be resolved. I will be looking for a local charity to support this Christmas Season.

Perhaps the most generous thing I can do is to be kind like Sullivan. I can take time to think of others. I can help out. I can share. Now that I think of it, what I would truly like for Christmas this year is more kindness and generosity. I don’t think I need much else.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 8.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.