This issue of Vermont Catholic, published just before Christmas, features many of the good works done by people throughout the Diocese of Burlington. Tying together the “giving” time of year and the social justice/works of mercy theme of the issue, Vermont Catholic Managing Editor asked children from Christ the King School in Burlington, “Why is it better to give than to receive?” Here are some of their answers.

“I think it is better to give than receive because it makes people feel so happy and it makes me feel happy too. It shows them how much you care for them. I know you think you just give and don’t get, but you get a good feeling in your heart.”

—Caroline Doyle

First grade

“You give to lighten people’s spirits. You can do this by helping them when they fall, giving gifts, being kind and more. Giving can make your day and someone else’s.”

—Mia Souliotis

Second grade

“It is better to give than receive because giving to someone shows them how much you love them and care for them. And that’s the best feeling, better than receiving!”

—Pipe Sheeran

Third grade

“Everybody loves to receive gifts on Christmas, birthdays or Halloween. It makes you happy. But giving means more than that because you can make other people happy and it makes you happy as well. So by making others happy, you get twice the joy, especially if that person needs that something. …Think about it like this: Everyone has an imaginary bucket, and by giving them something, you’re filling their bucket with kindness — and your too. And the kindness you put into this world always has a way of coming back to you.”

—Calder Woodcroft

Fourth grade

“It’s better to give than to receive because when you give you experience the joy of seeing the look on someone’s face.  When you see someone happy because you have given them something you feel pride. …  While it is also nice to receive a gift, it eventually may not give you the same feelings as when you received it.  That is why it is better to give than receive.”

—Kristopher Perkins

Fifth grade

“It is better to give than receive because it’s better to see a person getting a gift than your own self. You should be proud for giving a gift because you just did an act of kindness that God has just seen. You should be grateful for what you have and what you have achieved. When you give a gift, it makes you feel happy that you made a person’s day.”

—Chloe Gosselin

Sixth grade

“If you give, you feel good inside. When you give, you help those who need. Receiving a gift is good too, but it is more rewarding to give.”

—Edonusem Pomeyie

Seventh grade

He added a quote from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Remember this. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

“It is better to give than receive because you have the satisfaction of seeing someone’s face light up when you gift them with a gift. It is better to give because it helps inspire others to give. It is better to give than receive because it makes you feel good that you helped someone in need.”

—Kaylee Dye

Eighth grade

—Originally published in the Winter 2021 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.