Christmas... a time of true giving.

Christmas... a time of true giving.

Our children growing up had the fortunate experience of helping the less fortunate. We weren't rich by any means, however we did make room in our small budget to help others.
Each Christmas the kids would get a family from a list at our local Salvation Army. We would go purchase presents for them. (We always tried to find a family with the same composition as ours or at least close to ours.) The kids loved shopping for the families. We would get to deliver the gifts. Leaving them on the front porch, knocking and running to the car that was running with the doors open. One family heard us, opened the door, invited the kids and us in, lugging in their ten 30 gallon bags of goodies for the family, (I am not kidding how many bags they had.) Bags with coats for each child, underwear, socks, jeans, shirts and toys... And a Christmas meal fixings. The smiles.... This family was living in only one room of the house. They couldn't afford to heat the house... a small space heater sat in the living room. My kids were in shock and awe....They have never forgotten that family...
Also each year our children would get names off  the tree in the mall. They would purchase a gift, wrap it, label it and give it to the person at the desk. That always made them feel so good about themselves.
Our children would go through their toys and the ones that where really good and that they did not play with would be given to the local women's shelter for the children there to have to play with.
I am so proud of my children. They are adults now, however they still carry on the tradition of helping others. Even if their budgets are a little tight.
Find a family. Give some love. Secret Santa is fun to play. Don't expect a thank you as this way the families don't know who you are.