Names have been changed to protect the innocent...and my husband...and me...but not the dog. His name is Dexter.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Tip Tuesday-The Gift of Giving

Yes, I know it's Wednesday, not Tuesday. Moving on.....

Today's tip is about giving. Honestly, I think there really is a lot of giving this time of year. But I do find that most of my giving energies are focused on my family. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I too get sucked into the "did I get them enough" mentality that is encouraged this time of year. And, really, I don't want it to be that way. I want to teach my girls that the best gift they can ever receive comes from giving. But they are still so young and that's a complex lesson to learn. Some adults still haven't learned it. I try my best to talk about what we can do to give, but talking about it and doing it are two totally different things.

Each year we usually set a certain amount that we want to spend and buy toys to donate to Toys for Tots. Last year, I was that crazy lady bawling at the front of our local Walmart as I put toys into the bin. This year we hadn't really talked about it, but last week as CG and I were walking into Walmart (again) I noticed a tree by the front door/customer service area. I walked up to it and saw that it was covered in paper ornaments. Each ornament on the tree had the information of a child in need....age, gender and Christmas request. So we decided to pick one and do it that night while we were there....sans children, thanks to CG's mom.

The ornament we picked said "1 year old girl, blankets". And my heart broke. How is it possible that in this great nation of ours there is a little girl that doesn't have enough blankets? It's a disgrace. And of course, I started crying. Because that is what I do. And I do it again every time I think about that little girl that I will never meet.

We bought her two blankets and a baby doll to snuggle. It was less than $15 and took maybe 5 minutes of our time. That's all. There are very few of us who can't spare a few dollars and minutes to help out the less fortunate. All we did was walk into the store, pick an ornament, fulfill a very simple request and drop it off on our way out. Now there is one less Christmas wish on that tree that needs to be filled. And we are one tiny step closer to the true meaning of Christmas.

**I've entered this post into a little writing contest over at the Service Soap Box which is a great place where ladies are using their Blog Force for good and not evil. So, head on over and see how you can do some good instead of, ya know, evil.**

9 comments:

Missy said...

Now, I am crying! You are so right! It is hard to imagine that any child does not have the basic necessities of life, but it all so true!

Kristina P. said...

I participated in Sue's 100 Coats project, but I really need to do more!

You guys are great!

zoo keeper said...

i know that's why we're such good friends...i cry allll the time too! and what a wonderful thing you two crazy kids did! Justin and i are taking the older kids to the store this week to do the same thing...this year i'll be thinkin of you as i too shed a tear or two ;o)

Anonymous said...

It's normal to feel so much for your own children, but as you come to truly love other children and feel the pain of their situation, you are feeling what Christmas is all about. If people didn't do as you have, and many others like you, who would ease their pain or bring them a little cheer and happiness? It's a lovely thought to think of that sweet baby wrapped in her snuggly blanket with a little dolly of her own for her to love, all because you felt touched and acted on it. Thank you, and everyone like you. xoxoxo

Barbaloot said...

What a sweet thing that you did. Thank you for sharing---and reminding how simple it is to help someone else.

Momza said...

Faith, Hope and Charity...you have it all.
Thanks for sharing!

Scottkids said...

It's so true, and I think the same thing when we do sub for santa! We love helping others, and we feel so blessed for what we have! Its great what you are doing!!

Anonymous said...

You made me want to head over to Walmart!(Which I am going to do as soon as I publish this comment) Thank you! I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself because I can't get my little girls a Zhu Zhu pet. And their are children who simply want a blanket! Thank you and have a Merry Christmas!

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Aw, what a sweet reminder. Especially now that Christmas is long over.

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