“Christmas time has come
and it’s time for some fun.
I leave a gift and run,
Secret Santa has begun.”
The Christmas Season is upon us and many of us are rushing
around, shopping, baking, wrapping presents and more. I know that for me, one
way to put a smile in my heart is to help someone less fortunate. Many years
ago I started the tradition of “Secret Santa”. Each year I would pick a family
going through financial difficulties or someone alone and make it my goal to
ensure that their Christmas was a little bit brighter. The gift I received in
return far encompassed the gifts that I gave. Being someone who has been in
financial hardships myself I found that it’s not always a gift you purchase. It
can be something as simple as a card or a visit to someone who is lonely. We all have something to give.
Last year I was going through some financial hardships. It
was also my granddaughter’s first Christmas. I didn’t have a Christmas Tree and
I was worried about buying groceries for Christmas dinner. After giving each
and every year I was feeling very sad not to be able to help anyone that year.
Then I saw one of my friends on Facebook was asking for donations for a young
boy that most likely wasn’t getting much for Christmas. My heart told me to
give what I could. The only extra money I had at the time was $2.00. I put that
money in an envelope and gave it to the person asking for donations. They
thanked me like I had given them $1,000.00. It felt good to be giving
something. What happened next
totally blew me away. The next day I went to the Post Office to pick up my
mail. There was a Christmas Card from someone I barely knew. I opened it up and
Inside there was a message, “Sometimes bad times fall upon good people, God
loves you and so do we.” They had
enclosed a gift certificate for $250 to our local grocery/clothing store. I was
totally shocked. I was on the receiving end and was humbled beyond words. I
could buy all the items for a wonderful Christmas Dinner for my daughter and
her family and a few presents too! A few days later some friends showed up at
my door with the most beautiful Christmas Tree I had ever seen! I had a tree! I
had never been so blessed as I was that Christmas. I then understood even more
how priceless the “Secret Santa” tradition was to others.
Warriors, I am asking you to please stop what you are doing
in this busy season and think of something good you can do for someone else. I
would love it if you would post the stories on our Facebook wall so we can all
share. Remember, even $2.00 can make a difference.
Wishing you the most wonderful Christmas of all with the
Spirit of Giving!
Peace & Love,
Heidi St. Jean
