Dear Grandparenting: This is for everyone who thinks the Christmas spirit is missing in action. My grandchildren like to get presents as much as the next guy, but this year they have a better idea. They’ve decided it is better to give than receive and they are actually acting on it! Not only that, but this is all my grandchildren’s idea from start to finish! So let’s hear it for Abby, Diego, Luciano, Dennis Jr. and Otis. The grandkids did their grandmother proud.

They had it all worked out. Instead of buying them presents, their parents agreed to a charitable contribution of $50 for each grandchild. (Don’t tell anyone but each grandchild will find presents under the tree, thanks to me!) My (mostly young) grandchildren also went through the neighborhood knocking on doors asking for donations or used clothes or canned food. The money was split between veteran groups and Santa Claus Anonymous. They dropped off their donations at the food bank and Salvation Army. I can’t tell you what inspired them but I thought you might like to share this totally unexpected happy piece of news. Delores Dolan, Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Delores: When grandparents reach a certain age, giving begins beating getting any day, particularly on Christmas. But for adolescents and young teens, it’s the supreme sacrifice to give it all away.

Grandchildren can get a bad rap for all kinds of reasons. They are variously depicted as too self-absorbed and entitled, or uncivil and rude (especially toward their elders), or spoiled rotten and materialistic. And their embrace of technology and social media often comes at the expense of all else and makes them detached from our world.

But globalization and those same technologies give grandchildren a more outward orientation, beyond their comfort zone. Everyone is connected now. The pain and suffering is just a click away. And as America continues trending toward an inclusive and pluralistic society, we expect more grandchildren will show uncommon acts of compassion toward the less fortunate. Tis the season to give!

GRAND REMARK OF THE WEEK

Josie Miller, of Marshall, Michigan, reports that granddaughter, Zoe, left this note out for Santa last year:

“Dear Santa: My father says I am too old to believe in Santa Claus. Please come to my house on Christmas Eve to give him a wake-up call.”