Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.
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On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me ....

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.... a guest post from the very lovely Emma Bradley.

 

This week I am really pleased to be guest posting on the beautiful blog that is the Little Lilypad Co.  I love Christmas and everything about it.  One of my parental aims is always to ensure that my children think of others less fortunate than themselves at this time of year. 

As most of my readers over at www.emmaand3.com  know my children often send me near the edge with too many hospital trips.  One of those hospital trips a few years ago saw Dylan being admitted on Christmas Eve.  We spent the next four days on Children’s Ward whilst he was on IV antibiotics.  The nurses were lovely to the children waking up in a hospital bed instead of their own.  There was a present from Santa on the end of the bed and after breakfast he did ward rounds bringing more treats.  I was really humbled by other people’s generosity, we had a pretty awful Christmas that year but those small touches were remembered.

Since then we have always donated presents to the ward for the children and parents waking up there.  One year Chloe collected old mobile phones and had them turned into toys.  She collected over £150 worth which we happily took up to the ward.  At this time of year we always have a big sort out too.  We recycle our own belongings by taking things we no longer use to the charity shop.  Again we always use the charity shop that helps fund Sue Ryder  as they looked after my nan in her final hours. 

At Church on Christmas Eve the children each take a gift that is then passed onto a local women’s rufuge.  The presents are used when new families arrive that might have had to leave everything behind or for birthday gifts during the year. 

I want to teach the children that Christmas is a time of giving in addition to receiving.  Giving doesn’t have to cost money either.  Giving time is perfect – is there a relative or friend that finds Christmas hard and could do with the gift of time and a visit this season?  Is there a neighbour who would treasure a hard made card from the children?  

What will you be giving this Christmas?

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Comments

  1. Great post, exactly what we spent Sunday doing, sorting out old toys. I didn't know you had spent a Christmas in hospital, good on you for keeping up the toy giving tradition.

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  2. love this new tradition of yours, and i have just found a bundle of old mobiles when clearing out the drawers in the loft, so i know exactly what to do with them now!

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  3. We've donated to our local food bank as we do each month but we bought extra this month because Christmas must be such a difficult time for families on low incomes. We also donate toys to the local collection for children who wouldn't get presents otherwise x x

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  4. What a lovely way to teach the children, we have just given away lots of toys I had for reviews to a local charity that looks after women who have escaped violent partners with nothing but their children and the clothes on their backs. As the girls grow up I will make sure we do something with them too

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  5. I am going to take Sophie shopping for the local food bank this year - shes still a little young to understand, but we will continue to do it each year.

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  6. LOVE this post Emma. Christmas is all about giving. We give items to the food bank and homeless shelter, and we each donated a coat to Wrap UP London this year too.

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  7. SO important to teach kids the right values and a great opportunity to sift through all the mega amount of things we have! Great initiative.

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  8. What a lovely thing to do. x

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  9. What a lovely post - and so important this time of year to give - that's what it is all about isn't it. I'd be interested in knowing how you donate to the hospital, as they've always been so good to us throughout the year too.

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  10. I give time to help at a local churches carol service but not so much gifts. Maybe I'll get the children to clear out heir old toys ahead of the 25th to take to the charity shop nearby. Thanks for making me think x

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  11. Oh what lovely ways to give something back at Christmas!

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