The Joy of Giving

A parent would reach for this book when their child is becoming overly focused on their own Christmas wish list or showing signs of the gimmes during the holiday season. It serves as a gentle corrective for the commercialism that often surrounds December, re-centering a child's focus on the joy found in being kind to others. The story follows Brother and Sister Bear as they prepare for the Christmas pageant and anticipate their own gifts, only to discover through experience that the act of giving can be even more rewarding than receiving. Appropriate for children ages 3 to 8, this book uses the familiar and comforting world of Bear Country to explore themes of generosity, empathy, and gratitude. It is particularly well suited for families who want to incorporate faith based values into their holiday traditions, as it explicitly connects the spirit of giving to the Christmas story. Parents will appreciate how it models a shift in perspective from self centered excitement to community minded compassion.