I want to thank all of you for your wonderful ideas about how to offer service during the holiday season. The thing that stood out to me the most were all the ideas of how to serve others in ways other then financial. So many of your ideas reminded me that sharing your time, kindness and love can lift others during this season. I loved the idea of bringing goodies to our local police station or fire station on Christmas Day as a way of saying thank you for their service. And there were such wonderful ideas about sending things to our miltary men to cheer them.
I actually picked two winners - I just couldn't narrow it down further then that as both of their ideas spoke to me so directly. The first is Janette - rather then buy gifts for their family members at Christmas, they spend that money to take a family vacation during the holidays AND they take small gifts to give to the local people on their trip (this year it is Cuba). I loved two aspects of this - the giving portion of course and the giving up portion! I hate that Christmas has become so commercialized and that children tend to focus on what gifts they want and Santa rather than on the spirit of Christmas. This would teach children about the real meaning and keep the focus on giving and family which is what it is all about. Thank you Janette for this wonderful idea and although I don't know if I would have the guts to actually pull it off, I loved the thought and want to try to incorporate parts of it into our holiday next year.
The second idea I loved was from Mary Ann. She said she takes her children to local nursing homes to make Christmas cards with the elderly residents. She takes all the supplies and it helps them have something to give their families when they get visits. I loved this idea because it is a gift of your time and talents. You are able to spend time making the cards with these poeple and your children are involved - I think this must be a really special way to teach your children to serve. This was a great example to me of sharing time and love with those who might be lonely or have emotional needs rather then financial ones. I am going to look into doing something like this in my area.
Again, thank you to everyone for your ideas - they really were so inspiring! I am so touched that so many are teaching their children to serve during the holidays and that the true spirit of Christmas lives among so many of you! And Mary Ann and Janette - please send me an email and let me know if you want me to make you a mini album (10 pics each since I am splitting it) or if you would like me to send you a kit to make one. Also tell me your favorite colors and style preferences.
Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Suzy
What wonderful ideas there are there too! Thanks for the original post, as now I have some more ideas of how my family can be more giving.
Posted by: Colleen Stearns | December 18, 2007 at 07:36 PM
Congrats Mary Ann and Janette!!! Great ideas everyone!
Posted by: Kristi Smith | December 18, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Congrats girls- I am sure you will love what Suzy does for ya!
Posted by: melinda | December 19, 2007 at 06:54 AM
I'm just so excited!!! Thanks so much Suzy!!
Posted by: Mary Ann | December 19, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Hello Suzy,
Sorry I'm late checking your blog. We were in Cuba when you posted this! It was an awesome time. I have to say that once again the best part was seeing the reaction of the local people when we give them their gifts. Our maid loved us. Every day we would leave little gifts on our pillow for her. The one girl who worked in the main restaurant really captured my heart. She was the sweetest thing with a huge smile. The next morning at breakfast we took her a bag of toys for her little 2 year old boy and nephew along with clothes and soap and toothpaste and Tara had some cute little simple childrens gifts. The look on her face was Christmas for me. I was fighting back the tears so much. So was so happy and excited. The next morning at breakfast I asked her what her child thought of his gifts. She said he was so happy and was playing with them non stop and didn't want to go to sleep. Just simple stuffed animals made his day. She said she was so happy seeing his excitement. Knowing them made me burst with happiness. It's the most awesome feeling in the world. Better then any gift that could be under the tree for me. I still want to go even further and talk my parents into not giving us gifts and buy for family in need instead. We have so much that giving to a family in need would really be the best feeling. Thanks again Suzy. May you have a blessed Christmas. We just got home from friends and I'm having a cup of tea and reading some blogs before bed. It's 12:29 AM so it's Christmas my friend!!! Love ya!
Posted by: Janette | December 24, 2007 at 09:31 PM