Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1433697
16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • December 2021 The holiday season is the time of year for spreading extra happi- ness, kindness and cheer. As you prepare your celebrations, here are some fun and simple ways you and your children can make days brighter for family, friends, neighbors and strangers. Pick up inexpensive gifts and treats or bake a batch of cookies and secretly leave them on the doorsteps of a neighbor's house with a note that reads, "You've Been Leafed." The concept is similar to the popular "You've Been Booed" Halloween tradition of leaving candy anonymously by someone's door. The aim here is simply to bring a smile to some- one's face with the hope that they in turn will leave a similar gift to someone else in the neighborhood. A quick Internet search of "You've Been Elfed" provides a variety of printable notes to attach with your gifts. Little ones can practice writ- ing skills as well as learn how to address an envelope while filling out holiday greeting cards for family members, classmates or U.S. troops. In previous years, communities across the country have initiated 10,000 Cards for troops campaigns. More recently, the website justakindnote.com was created during the pandemic to spread joy to health care workers and other essential work- ers. Consider sending holiday cards to teachers, service workers, patients in local hospitals, or residents in nursing homes. Have kids who like to bake? Grab an apron and set to work making Christmas cookies and deliver them to first responders at the local fire stations and police departments as a thank you for all they do throughout the year. Get little kids involved by having them pick out their favorite recipes and shop for all the ingredients. Teach children the value of giving back to the community by devoting time to a local soup kitchen or food bank. Collect canned food items from neighbors to donate to the food bank for holiday meals. Children can also learn the importance of giving by donating old books, clothing, and toys to those less fortunate. The Toys for Tots run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve (toysfortots.org) is another option. WRITTEN BY BRANY CENTOLANZA Holiday Holiday Cheer Cheer How to be a Play Secret Santa Send Christmas Cards Get Baking Lend a Hand