If I were to poll readers to see what kinds of traditions they have around Christmas, I'd probably come across some of the following:

• Shopping and gift giving
• Santa Claus
• Reading the Christmas story and "The Night Before Christmas"
• Watching It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and The Grinch Stole Christmas
• Caroling
• Putting up lights and decorations
• Christmas trees and Advent wreaths
• Family get-togethers over a big dinner
• White Elephant gifts
• Secret Santas

I'm not saying any of the above is wrong. They all build a sense of togetherness and family custom that is great to pass down to your children. But could your family be missing out on something more?

There are many opportunities (several of which you can do online) to minister to other people less fortunate this Christmas. In doing so, you give the wonderful gift of teaching your children what a blessing it is to bless someone else. No age is too young to learn to help others and to give of time and resources to do so.

Many churches participate in what is called an Angel Tree Service. Needs of local children and families are collected and written on paper angels that decorate a tree. Congregational members take an angel, buy what is listed on it, wrap it, and take it back to the church where it will then be distributed to families in need. If your church doesn't have a ministry like this, consider starting it yourself and involve your children in the distribution.

Operation: Christmas Child (operated by Samaritan's Purse) is another wonderful way to get your family involved in helping others all across the world. Allow your children to fill shoeboxes for a child their own age with things they themselves might want. Not only does this give you some ideas for your child's Christmas, but it teaches them the value of thinking of others first. The National Collection Week is over, but click here for a list of drop-off locations that are still in business.

Samaritan's Purse also has a gift catalog that's unlike any you've ever seen. You can access it here. In today's digital world, this is a ministry opportunity you can take advantage of from your living room armchair. Gather your kids around and let them pick through the gift opportunities that fit within their budget or within yours. There are gifts for as low as $4!

KLOVE and AIR1 Christian radio stations have partnered with Rescue and Homeless Missions across the states to provide Hope for the Hungry. For $1.96, you can feed one person a meal during the holidays (or any other time). $10 feeds 5 people!

Another fun opportunity to buy gifts for your own family and friends and still help others is through WorldCrafts. When you purchase something for yourself or someone else, the proceeds go to help artisan groups that live in poverty who are trying to provide for their families through their skills. People groups from all over the world contribute to this site, so check it out.

Hopefully this will get you thinking outside the proverbial gift box this Christmas and enable you to teach your children the importance of helping others.

Jeannie Campbell is a Christ-follower, wife, mother and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in that order. She got her masters of divinity in psychology and counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and her bachelors in psychology and journalism from The University of Mississippi. She's a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and American Christian Fiction Writers. In her spare time, she writes feature articles for magazines and local newspapers and blog posts for The Character Therapist. Email Jeannie.