By Bethany Hammond, HOPE International staff member
“Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read.”
It’s begun—the endless chorus of “Mom, can you put this on my Christmas list?” And here I am, caught between two worlds.
In one world, I want my kids to experience the wonder of Christmas: the miracle of Christ’s birth, the glow of lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the magic of traditions that make the season sparkle.
But in the other world, I feel the weight of frustration. Every message aimed at my kids (and let’s be honest, at me too) insists: “You need more. You deserve more. You’re entitled to more.”
Make a list for parents, grandparents, Santa—an endless cycle of wants, most of which we don’t truly need.
That’s why I’ve embraced a simple tradition of four gifts:
- Something you want
- Something you need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
This year, I’m adding a fifth: Something to give.
I want my kids to grow up with an awareness that living in the United States means they have privileges and opportunities many children around the world don’t. Not guilt—just perspective. Most kids around the world don’t have an Amazon wish list, after all.
This year, we’ll open HOPE’s gift catalog together. My kids will choose what to give: a chicken, a goat, seeds, a bicycle, maybe even a sewing machine. As they circle their favorites, we’ll talk about how these gifts change lives—and invest in families’ futures.
At HOPE, we invest in the dreams of entrepreneurs around the world. And this Christmas season, in the midst of concerts, parties, and stocking stuffers, I get to invite my kids into that mission.
- Sophia, my oldest, is an entrepreneur at heart. She picked a gift from the Shopkeeper section and taught our family over dinner how a bicycle, cash register, and measuring scale can transform a business.
- Jude, my animal lover, chose from the Livestock Farmer section and explained why a goat is more than a gift—it’s an investment in a family’s future.
- Miles, my 5-year-old who loves dirt, picked farming tools. We talked about how a simple shovel can help families grow more food and fight hunger.
It was so simple—passing a Sharpie around the table, circling items in the catalog—but it sparked big conversations about generosity and impact. My kids were excited to choose gifts that change lives.
This Christmas, I encourage you to invest in your children by letting them invest in others. We’ll happily mail you a gift catalog to explore together. You can also browse the digital catalog here. Let your kids vote on which items to pick or let each one choose their own. Make it fun!
So go ahead, kids—grab the Sharpie. Start circling. Start giving.
To request your own copy of the gift catalog, send us an email. Or, explore the gift catalog online here.
