I don't have any pictures...so you'll have to bear with me if you're interested. I can't believe I don't have any pictures...sheesh.
A little background: when Brent and I lived in Star Valley we attended a party where we went shopping for a family, wrapped the gifts, then ate and played games. We loved it. It was such a good idea. We have wanted to do the same kind of thing ever since, but have never gotten around to actually doing it.
This year: We had given up on helping anyone because we, once again, didn't get our act together and get anyone's name and information that needed help. While we were standing in line waiting for Santa at our ward party Brent noticed the Relief Society president jotting down some information. We decided to ask if she knew of any people in our ward that might need some help for Christmas. She told us about a family of 6 kids and a mom that had very little. We told her that we would like to help.
The party: We went home that night and started planning. Within about an hour we had our guest list and invitations made. The next day we delivered all of them and hoped that someone would show up (we did request that everone bring some money to contribute). Wednesday night we all gathered at our house and got organized. We ended up with 8 couples. We all went to Wal-Mart and split up into guys and girls. The men were in charge of the boys stuff and, naturally, the girls were in charge of the girl stuff. It was really fun to watch as everyone went to work trying to make this a wonderful Christmas for the family. When we were done we all met at the register and checked out. We were truly blessed. We got this family a pretty decent Christmas for under $300. That got every child at least 2 outfits, socks, some got shoes, a toy (or two), the family some games, some quiet church activities, and the mom some clothes. (I was telling my mom about this today and she mentioned that maybe it was a small miracle that it was all under $300...I think she was probably right). So we got checked out with everyone being so willing to pitch in as much money as we needed to get it all bought. Then we headed back to our house and wrapped it all. So fun to have our home filled with so many people excited about helping out others. After it was all wrapped up we had some snacks and then headed out to deliver the goods. The family seemed really excited about the 6 garbage bags full of wrapped presents. I hope they enjoy the things that we picked out for them.
It was a wonderful experience. Brent and I weren't sure how it would turn out and hoped that it didn't backfire on us. It was really fun to get together with friends and family and get to know some new people, all while doing something worthwhile. I think that it will become a new tradition in our home (and hopefully with all of our friends, too). I just can't wait until our kids are old enough to participate. It really made our Christmas season feel complete.
6 comments:
That is such a sweet idea! It almost made me cry!! Good for you Collette. Way to spread holiday cheer.
what a great idea! i'm glad to hear that you didn't completely bag the idea and thought to approach the RS president. i just love hearing about those who make christmas better for someone else. what a wonderful example you are.
That is such a good idea! How fun, and really cool that you had several other couples help you, too! What a nice way to help the Christmas spirit in your home!
That is so awesome. I did something similar when I was in high school, but haven't done it since. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful tradition! Our family does something similar. Instead of buying gifts for each other, (we used to draw names) we use that money, and give it to someone in need. Sometimes it's a relative out of work, or someone we hardly know. Then, we record our feelings in a journal, and make an ornament to commemorate it. It just makes you feel good. You guys do the best things!! Enjoy Christmas this year. I bet it will be fun close to both of your families.
Thanks for spearheading that Collette and Brent. It was a lot of fun to participate and helped us remember the true meaning of Christmas.
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