12.20.2011

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!


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31 comments:

Meredith said...

So true, what a sweet blessing you are going to be to them this Christmas. Merry Christmas!!

Dree said...

Aw Chelsea, this is the nicest thing I've read. You are really going to make their Christmas so special.

Angie said...

I couldn't agree with you more. It's so easy to get caught up in the things we don't have and forget their are others much less fortunate. That's awesome that you adopted a family! The mom will remember this Christmas for so many years to come. Merry Christmas!

Holly said...

My family "adopted" a child/family for years around the holidays and it was always so much fun to shop for them. This year, my friends and I adopted a family through the YWCA and it was so nice to be able to provide a Christmas to a deserving family. Next year, I hope that Shawn and I can start this tradition. This warms my heart. You are truly a great human being. But I already knew that!

Mrs. Mama said...

you are AWESOME! i love this.

ashley said...

Amazing Chelsea, so so kind of you! It's such a great feeling to be able to give to those who don't have much.

In Cole's daycare they choose two families and send out a list to parents as to what is needed. We did the same thing this year with socks, mitts, hat, underwear, etc. It felt great to be able to keep some little fingers and toes warm.

Merry Christmas!

My Life as A Plate said...

What a wonderful thing to do!!! I am sure that family will have a wonderful christmas because of you and probably appreciate it more than we would ever know.

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

I did this with a boyfriend two years ago, and it was so much fun and so rewarding. Good for you, I'm sure you made their Christmas so much more memorable.

♥ Marcy ♥ said...

I don't know if it is the pregnancy hormones or what but this made me cry! So proud of you for what you did. That is amazing!!!

Emily said...

you will bless that family so much with your generosity! A great way to be blessed is to bless others. Hope you have a great christmas yourself! you deserve it after being so thoughtful to others!

Alana Christine said...

Aww! That's so sweet! I hope you get to do that every year!

christin said...

My dad's company always does this and I used to get so involved when I lived at home! It's such a great idea and is SO humbling.

Erica said...

That's great. Such a perfect post for me to read right now. I'm embarrassed to admit that amidst the craziness of our schedules right now the thought of adopting a family or child didn't even cross my mind. Next year that'll be a goal.

Merry Christmas Chelsea!

Amanda said...

You are so kind and generous, Chelsea! What a great pile of gifts for the family!

Heather said...

That is so awesome! I bet that family was so blessed by your kindness.

Michelle (michabella) said...

I adore you. What a blessing you are to that family. If only we all could take the time and money to bless others that need it far more than we do. They will def be happy Christmas morning :)

KRISTIN said...

This post seriously made me cry {at work-awesome}. It's so amazing that you truly understand and appreciate this amazing season. And it's so true, everyone needs a little perspective on how lucky they really are...especially this time of year. Good work gurrrrrl! :)

Jennifer said...

That is so sweet! I love that you did this and I hope others will be inspired to do so.

Aubrey S. said...

What a great gesture. We're talked about doing this in the past, but never made it happen. You're in inspiration, Chelsea!

K said...

WoW! You truly are amazing! Such a great idea!

Chelsea @ two twenty one said...

Such an awesome thing to do! I used to "adopt a kid" from the wishing trees at the elementary schools where I used to teach. I really need to do this next year.

Lexilooo said...

Love this! I try to do something along these lines every year. It's so important, I think!

Mateya said...

You have such a generous heart. That is awesome! One lucky family :)

Lacey in the City said...

I have chills and tears in my eyes!!! I am so happy that you did such a wonderful, generous, and caring thing for a stranger. Gosh, we are all so blessed, aren't we?! No matter the trials we face, we are certainly so lucky. Love to you, girl. xoxo

Mandy@OrangeAutumn said...

Awww such a sweet thing to do for the holidays. I'm really touched by your sincerity. There are so many families in need!

tara said...

you have such a good heart, chelsea! very sweet of you!

Tiffany said...

I love this, Chelsea! What a sweet heart you have for others! I love that so many gifts under your tree were for people you who don't know. I totally spent most of my paycheck on angels for a nursing home tree in Wal-Mart. It was the last day and there were like 8 left. I was so afraid if I didn't buy them presents, no one would. So I loaded up my cart and did my best! Merry Christmas to you!!

~Tiffany
http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com

Carolyn said...

Aww! I love this post so much. Good job Chels. :)

Al said...

Wow babe, cheers to you! That is the true meaning of the season, and you have set a fantastic example for all those who know you and read you. Definitely inspiring...
xoxo

Sarah @ Scissors and a Whisk said...

Girl I did the exact same thing. Matt and I started a tradition last year where we match our budgets for one another and spend it on a child in need. We each pick a boy or girl from the Salvation Army ornaments (usually set up in malls or Walmart) and buy everything they want.

I, too, feel blessed that I am able to do this. It's such a great feeling. It's truly the meaning of Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Such a wonderful idea...you're amazing :)