What are you doing for Christmas? (inspired by @bijouxbroussard)

Her (bijouxbroussard's) post got me to thinking about something I have been doing for several years now, and I thought I might post about it to encourage others to "pay it forward".

Each November I post on Nextdoor (in my local neighborhood only) asking if there is a family who won't be able to get their kids any, or very few gifts for Christmas. I offer, if I pick their submission, to make their children's Christmas a bit brighter by buying gifts for them... a secret Santa sort of thing where it appears to the children it is coming from Santa/mom, dad, or mom and dad.

It's sort of a pay if forward thing that brings joy to not just the children, but their parents and lastly, to me. I know I could give to any number of organizations who do something similar, but I like the idea of helping out a family in my neighborhood. Somehow it just feels more personal, more meaningful.

I'm certainly not wealthy and save a bit each month just so I can do this in a bigger way than the first time I did it. I takes some planning, some work and communicating with their parents to get sizes, colors, specific wants fulfilled, etc.,m but it 100% makes my Christmas so much better.

If you can, give it a try - I promise you it will give your Christmas a whole new meaning.

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iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

That’s an amazing thing you do.

Throughout the year I buy toys and books to donate to the Christmas Cheer board here for the Christmas hampers.

We pick up 2 boxes from the lions club to fill for 2 kids for Christmas.

I also make a monetary donation to the food bank in our town. I take the money I used to spend on having Christmas cards printed with my kids pictures on it and now I just do a digital version and that money goes to the food bank.

I love Christmas! It’s the season of giving!!!

Ontheroad · M

@iamonfire696 Love it! There are so many ways to make Christmas just that little bit better for those who are struggling... especially for the children. I do the food bank thing as school closes for the summer (kids aren't getting subsidised/free meals at school) and I always give to a couple of the local missions for Thanksgiving dinners.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@Ontheroad it’s a really good feeling to help others. I am lucky to be able to afford to give back to my community this way.

Ontheroad · M

@iamonfire696 that's the bonus - not only can we make it better for those who are struggling, we get the bonus of feeling so darn good about it! And, your community is lucky to have you.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@Ontheroad Thank you, as is yours.

Have you ever been told you are selfish for being generous that way because it makes you feel good. I have been told this before and I found it very strange.

Ontheroad · M

@iamonfire696 I haven't been told this, but I have wondered about it... like is it okay that I feel good about giving, is it selfish? I finally settled on "who cares", as long as i made someone else feel good, then there is no reason I can't feel good about it.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@Ontheroad I just think people like that are ridiculous. Yes it makes me feel good to give back. It’s benefiting people though.

I also love giving gifts to my family and friends. It’s so fun to choose something for them and puts lots of thought into it.

I think you are right, who cares. It’s a good thing to do.