Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

I am usually a Christmas after Thanksgiving person. I do my shopping ahead of time, but I don’t typically break out the books, music, and decorations until after Thanksgiving. Then we decorate and celebrate all the way to Three Kings Day or Old Christmas. This year, I made an exception to review The Giving Manger by WorthyKids and tell you all about it. This way, you can get it in time to use it throughout the Christmas season.

I love Christmas, the lights, the music, the food, the decoration, the atmosphere, and most of all, the reminder of the precious gift of Jesus. However, sometimes all of the extras (which I love) can crowd out the true meaning of Christmas.

What is The Giving Manger?

The Giving Manger is a great way to help your family focus on the real meaning of Christmas and encourage an atmosphere of giving. The Giving Manger kit includes a hardcover book, a small wooden manger, a bundle of straw, and a wooden baby Jesus.

The idea is that you will read the book together as a family and then set up the manger. Throughout the Christmas season, family members can serve Jesus by serving others. Then they place a piece of straw in the manger for each act of service. This concept is based on Matthew 25:40 b, which says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

I read the book, written by Allison Hottinger and illustrated by Emily King, with my younger boys, and we loved it. It is a beautiful hardcover book with beautiful illustrations. The book tells the story of a family who did this project. It helps the children understand the importance of giving and even shares ways that different ages can serve. There is also a spot at the end where you can record memories from each year you complete The Giving Manger.

Ideas for Using The Giving Manger

Our family will re-read the book after Thanksgiving and set aside a special place for the manger. We have always enjoyed serving others, but I love how this set helps the children understand that we are serving Jesus when we serve others.

The Christmas season can get very busy, and I know I have to keep things simple, or they will feel like a chore and won’t get done. I love that this is simple and easy to do. In about 30 minutes one day, your family can read the book, set up the manger, and discuss ways to serve. Then you can take advantage of service opportunities together or separately as they arise.

Giveaway

I am very excited to share with you that WorthyKids has graciously offered me the opportunity to give away a The Giving Manger kit to one lucky reader! Click on the link below to enter! Open to US Addresses Only! Also, be sure to click on the Review Crew graphic to check out how other families are using The Giving Manger. The giveaway is live from 11/10/21-11/17/21.