The holidays are more than just celebrations — they’re a time for reflection, gratitude and generosity. For many families, year-end offers the perfect moment to start conversations about charitable giving. Whether you’re looking to make a tax-deductible donation, teach your children about generosity or align your giving with your family’s values, the right approach can make giving both meaningful and strategic.
One of the best ways to begin a family giving tradition is by asking this simple question, “What matters most to us?” Some families make it part of their Thanksgiving tradition. Each person, from the youngest child to the grandparents, shares something they are grateful for and a cause they care about.
The responses can be surprising. Children often notice needs in their communities — like school supplies, animal shelters or environmental causes — that adults may overlook. These family conversations can help shape decisions about where gifts are directed while creating a shared sense of purpose and a legacy of generosity that can last for generations.
Generosity is a habit, and like most habits, it grows stronger when practiced early. Inviting children to participate in giving discussions helps them view money as more than just something to spend or save, but also as something to share.
One easy way to begin is with the “Spend, Save, Share” method. At home, it might look like three jars (or a ready-made option like the Moonjar bank) that help kids divide their money by purpose. Over time, they learn to connect money with their personal goals and the joy of helping others.
Research supports the long-term value of this approach. A 2023 study from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that children who participate in family giving decisions are more likely to continue giving as adults (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, 2023)
The end of the year naturally encourages reflection, gratitude and generosity. Families are together, conversations are flowing, and financial matters like taxes and budgeting are already on the radar.
There’s also a financial advantage: charitable donations made before December 31 may qualify for current-year tax benefits. Resources like the Schwab Charitable Giving Guide outline strategies, such as donating appreciated securities or using a donor-advised fund, to maximize both the financial benefits and the community impact of your generosity.
If you’re looking to try something new this season, try one of these ideas to get started:
Charitable giving is as much about strategy as it is about heart. The right tools can make your impact go further:
A helpful overview of these tools and strategies can be found in the Schwab Charitable Giving Guide.
Through my work with families, I’ve seen how giving back offers benefits beyond the obvious.
Generosity can strengthen family bonds and build empathy while providing teachable moments for kids and helping adults align their financial choices with their personal values.
Giving can also spark clarity — many people discover new passions for volunteering that they can carry into retirement, whether that’s by serving on a nonprofit board or supporting a cause close to their heart.
Ultimately, generosity fosters a mindset. When giving becomes a habit, you move through the world with your eyes open, looking for ways to make life a little better for others.
This holiday season, I encourage you to start small. Have the conversation. Try a new tradition. Involve your children and grandchildren in the process.
Philanthropy is not just about the transfer of money — it’s about passing down values across generations. Families who make giving part of their story create a lasting legacy of generosity and connection that endures well beyond the holidays.
And perhaps one day, your children will gather around their holiday table and share their own stories of giving back — and remember that it all began with you.