'Tis the Season

From a very early age, Ryan and I were taught to care for those in need and to be appreciative for what we had because there was always someone else doing without.  I can remember going through our toys and taking them to the fire house to donate to the local toy drive. Mom always made sure we understood the importance of helping those who had fallen on hard times.
Once we got married, we felt it was important to continue to help those in need and always donated some toys to local causes - such as the families through the church.  We feel strongly that it is important for our children to grow up appreciating what they have and also understanding that others are in need and that we can help.  Right before we had Jack, Zoe and I went through all of her toys and took out the ones that she doesn't play with anymore and talked about giving them to other little kids who don't have very many toys.  She was very excited and didn't object to getting rid of her toys.
Every year, we try to find a family to "adopt" for Christmas or buy gifts to be distributed to those in need.  This year, it has been extra special. The counselor at work gave me a list for a family of 4 from work (single mom and 3 kids).   We had deicded with some of the family that we would not buy each other gifts, but instead spend the money we normally would on others. Instead of finding a bunch of different people, we decided to just buy everything on the list for this family.  Each child ended up with clothes, 2 "toys", and a few other things.  We also gave the family a gift certificate to go together to see a movie.
The little girl wanted a bike and there was an inexpensive one at Walmart on Black Friday that we bought for her.  The counselor called the mom to see if she would like us to put it together and the mom started crying.  She was overwhelmed that someone would be this generous to her family. 
Earlier in the week, the little girl took cookies to the counselor and told her they were for "the church".  After some confusion and questioning, the counselor figured out that she meant for us. She said they baked and wanted to let the people who were buying them gifts know that they were thankful.  Apparently, the mom was overwhelmed when she picked up the gifts yesterday.
To me, this is what Christmas is about! I'm so excited to think of these little kids waking up Christmas morning and having presents under their tree! We are so blessed to be able to help others in this way and to spread the CHRISTmas spirit!