I hope you had a good Christmas. I did. I always do. It’s because of the gifts I received, and that others received because of them.
Many years ago now I came up with a new strategy for a Christmas wish list from my children. I decided that I didn’t need or want anything from them but a gift they would give to someone else more needy. It would be up to them to find that person or persons and make either a donation or, better, a physical gift and then let me know, by letter, what they did. That’s what I wanted, and that’s all I wanted.
Happily it’s become a tradition. Part of it, at the beginning, was to help instill a spirit of generosity, even creative, spontaneous generosity in each in the family all year long. That wasn’t hard, they all have it; and now they’re bringing their children into it too. The other part, of course, was to help some other party, friend or stranger, with a love gift they wouldn’t receive otherwise.
This Christmas, as each Christmas, I received notes describing the gift that was made, to whom, how they came up with that particular recipient, and the process of giving it. This, in turn, between all the other gift opening of the morning, I read aloud. It’s always a joy.
It’s what Jesus came to give: Joy to the World.
I hope your Christmas was full of it too.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:27 am
I love your tradition Hyatt…. I am going to do it starting next year😍
10:59 am
I like it. but I love presents. so I may wait a few more years! ha! I’d love to hear your lists this year, tho.
11:33 am
As Ed used to say: “We need more Moores.”☺️
9:24 pm
Loved this idea Hyatt! Leave it to you!! Lovely!
9:36 pm
So love the idea! Mind I borrow your idea and use it?
Blessings and joy continue to fill your & Anne’s life.
3:37 pm
Glad you had a great Christmas. Great idea! You should share some of those letters with us. I think there was extra joy for everyone this year. Happy New Years!