Can you believe Christmas is next week?
Our office has been so busy and I suddenly have started to feel December and the holiday season slip away. I am trying to soak up any more good tidings and check off a few more favorite traditions off my list: cookie baking and ice skating.
This Christmas will be my first Christmas not spent with my family. It is a bit of an odd feeling. My brothers and parents will all be in separate states. I won’t be hanging out in my pajamas, eating my Mom’s Christmas breakfast, listening to holiday music, playing games and spending time with my family.
Rick and I will be celebrating with his family for Christmas dinner, which I am looking forward to. However, suddenly it dawned on me, what about Christmas morning. Rick and I do not give each other presents, but rather give to our favorite charities. Last year, we started this special tradition. We had just been married/went to Italy/moved into a new house/new furnishings so Christmas presents could not compare to the happiness we felt. Also, for over 15 years, I have supported Toys for Tots, giving presents to boys and girls. I was ecstatic to include Rick in this tradition, as well as one of my favorite charities, Heifer International. We bought goats and chickens for less fortunate in this world. If you are not familiar with Heifer, please take a visit to their site, read the success stories, read about what giving an animal does to a family, community, and the world.
Christmas is not about the exchanging of presents and indulging in breakfasts, but the traditions that I grew up with are near and dear to my heart, and all of a sudden I realized our Christmas morning would be like any other day. One thing I have always wanted to do is spend a holiday volunteering, so that is what we will be doing this year. We will be volunteering our Christmas morning at a local organization. A new tradition to this new life we have together.
After this heavy and heartbreaking weekend that our country has felt for the community of Newton. I am feeling a bit brighter inside with spreading holiday cheer.
If you still are shopping for friends, family and co-workers, you can always make an awesome donation in their name to one of your favorite charities or purchase a special toy to a well-deserving child.
great post. so inspiring! i’ve always wanted to spend a holiday helping/giving to those less fortunate – maybe volunteering at a soup kitchen or something. and not that we can’t start now, but when Zoey gets a bit older, I’d love to include the kids! another great idea…giving to families in need via Casa Pacifica. My stepmom has done this nearly every year. Whether it’s household items or a toy or two from their wishlist…if it puts a smile on someone’s face…it puts a smile on mine! happy holidays!
Happy Holidays to you! It feels my heart up!! See you soon lady!