In a world that is often focused only on taking, pleasure, and “having, having, having,” a children’s dialogue – as well as the story of the birth and life of Jesus, which I enjoy reading in the Bible – brought me back to the realization that alongside “having”, “getting”, and “receiving”, giving is just as important and brilliant.
A charming conversation between two preschool children
„Anna, we can give Santa Claus a picture with a Christmas star, right?“ asked 3.5-year-old Leon.
„Yes. Then let’s begin. Will you bring the paints? I’ll get us some paper“, Anna replied. When Leon returns with some colored pencils, he says: „I think… of all the children in the world, not one has yet thought of making a present for Santa Claus!“
„You have a good idea, Leon! Santa Claus always gives us presents… Normal presents and…“
„I don’t want normal presents… I want a chocolate Santa Claus from him!“ Leon interrupted Anna.
„Leon, you are very ungrateful. Santa Claus gives you wonderful things every year. You should be grateful for that… He is a very nice man to you…“ Anna reprimanded him.
Leon shrugged: „I don’t know… I’m going to paint a picture for Santa Claus now: a house, eyes, a baby.“
„Leon, don’t forget, we’re painting a Christmas star, not people for Santa Claus.“
A heart for others
What a magical moment! How delightful it is to see the world through the eyes of little ones and to hear them give words to their thoughts.
A gift for Santa Claus? What a creative and loving gesture!
Leon’s idea is not only original, it’s heartwarming.
His idea exemplifies that the young children among us possess a big heart and are capable of sowing joy and developing creative ideas.
They are competent beings who can express compassion, love, and gratitude in their own individual way if we encourage and support them in doing so. However, what young children need on their individual developmental and educational journey are competent adult caregivers who lead by good example.
Leon’s idea shows that – on every single day, in fact – it’s the small gestures and acts of humanity that matter: Thinking of someone, giving someone a little spark of joy, even if we don’t know the person personally.
May the enchanting creative energy of young children inspire us.
May we fill these winter days with a touch of love, bringing a little more joy and light into the world; be it through small acts of kindness or gestures, heartwarming words or deeds.
Happy winter time!
Photo via: Canva by Africa images
