Reason for the season

I was sitting on my couch with a belly full of stuffing and a happy heart. I had just gotten home from a day of Thanksgiving goodness with my family and couldn’t shake the feeling that I was SERIOUSLY blessed. Sure I’ve had my fair share of suck this year, but overall I am still a pretty lucky little lady.

That’s when the idea popped in my head. I quickly pulled out my laptop, spent a few minutes typing and then went to bed. To be honest I woke up the next morning anxious and excited. I opened up my email and saw this

My family's wishlist. I had contacted a local domestic violence shelter about 'adopting' a family for Christmas. I quickly scanned over it and was immediately humbled. This was a Christmas list. With socks and gloves and coats. We sit around whining because we don't have the brand new iPad meanwhile this mama and her baby just left an abusive boyfriend/husband/whoever and have barely anything to their name.

I had a blast shopping for them. I wanted to get them not only what they asked for but a few other fun things, just to make sure they really felt loved! 

In fact, over half the gifts under my tree were for two people I had never even met!

This past Friday I had to bag all of their gifts up and drop them off at the organization downtown. I almost felt like the Grinch, stuffing them all into a trash bag. I was worried the bag wouldn't even fit into my car!!

They lady asked me who the donation was from, probably expecting a girl scout troop or something. When I told her it was just from me she placed her hadn on my arm and gave me the most sincere thank you I think I have ever received.

That whole experience made my holiday season this year. I am so grateful I was able to be in a position where I could spread holiday cheer to someone who needed it far more than I do! I hope that when they open their gifts on Christmas morning they know that someone out there is cheering them on, and I hope that  this is something I am able to do every year from now on!