Kids of all ages can enjoy the Joy of Giving Party. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

It can be challenging to find ways to nip the holiday focus on commercialism. We survive Black Friday, attend Small Business Saturday, and search through the Cyber Monday deals. If we are careful, it’s easy to get caught in the drama of wanting the most popular “must-have” items. To remind ourselves that this holiday season is more than just getting, we look for those chances to be more thoughtful, whether by word or by action.

The 24th annual Joy of Giving Party is one such event. The Joy of Giving Party is taking place on Dec. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Paul Smith’s College Forestry Club Cabin. This free event is packed full of wonderful activities including horse-drawn sleigh rides; healthy snacks, crafts, storytelling, face-painting, and music. There are even some of Santa’s elves to join in the fun. The real attraction is to help children learn to think about other people while choosing a gift to give for someone else.

There is no fee for the Joy of Giving party, but children are asked to bring an unwrapped gently used or new toy (under $10) to donate that has meaning to them. Parents can encourage children to “shop” their bedrooms for toys that can be given a new life or start a conversation about why a certain toy will make another child happy. By practicing an unselfish act as a child will encourage the same behavior in an adult. My daughter went from participating in the event to volunteering and now helps to create the same magical atmosphere for other children.

To attend the Joy of Giving party, head to the Paul Smith’s College campus in the hamlet of Paul Smiths at the junction of Routes 86 and 30. Drive through the college’s main entrance and follow the signs marked “JOY” to get to the Forestry Cabin.

Joy of Giving ADK is just one opportunity to give children the chance to be altruistic. There are also food pantry boxes at most grocery stores as well as “giving trees” at local shops. There are opportunities to fulfill children’s wishes at the Lake Placid Palace Theatre’s Elfing Tree. Take a wish-filled tag, fulfill the wish, and bring the wrapped package back to the theatre with the tag on the package by December 14. If that doesn’t work out, stop by Kinney Drugs in Saranac Lake and pick a Senior Santa Christmas tags to benefit the needs of our elderly population. The various branches of the Champlain National Bank host Project We Care which focuses on a certain charitable need. The Lake Placid and Saranac Lake branches are collecting toys for Families First. Saranac Lake’s Coakley Home and Hardware has a Holiday Helpers Tree. Just pull a tag and fill the written request. Even our four-legged friends aren’t forgotten during the holidays. The Lake Placid Animal Hospital will have its Giving Tree available with specific treats designated for shelter animals ready for adoption. In all the Christmas craziness, it is nice to see all the wonderful activities that focus on making just a few wishes come true!

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Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family TimeTM guidebook series, Adirondack Family TimeTM Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and the High Peaks) with over 300 activities including easy hikes, snowshoe/ski trails and seasonal activities. For more family-friendly activities go to www.AdirondackFamilyTime.com.