The Best Gifts We Gave This Year

It's getting tricky to find good gifts for family nowadays. It seems we all have everything we could ever want and need, and although we realize this is a tremendous blessing, it makes holiday shopping a little frustrating. 

This year, my hubby's amazing family had the BEST idea EVER for Christmas shopping. 

They handed us a list and asked for donations to the United Methodist Home for Children. Wow. Absolutely yes.

So my husband went through the list and picked out the items that reminded him of experiences he's shared with his family (camping, fishing, cooking, creating art). And then it was time to shop!

With all sorts of fantastic goodies gathered, we divvied up the gifts into two boxes to give to our family to donate. 

Because my husband connects fishing with Grandpa and cooking with Grandma, we gave them the box that contained the fishing rod and beautiful new dutch oven. 

And, triggered by memories of my husband's childhood, Mom and Dad got the sporty and artistic donation, with knee pads, a sleeping bag and a notebook for sketching. 

Both donation boxes included some of the essentials we know all children need- toothbrushes, Band-Aids, rubbing alcohol, socks and undies. 

I don't think I've ever felt more excited to give a gift in my life, because isn't this what Christmas should really be about anyway? 

GIVING to those who truly have need-

GIVING without the selfish satisfaction of seeing the receiver's joy-

GIVING to share love and kindness with children who need to know that there is goodness in the world, despite the difficult hands they've been dealt-

Handing over the boxes for our family to donate was the truest part of Christmas for me this year. Something in my heart changed. Something about the holiday changed. THIS is a part of what Christmas should be, to me. We're gonna make this a habit.

If you're down to make a donation, check out the children's Wish List here. Every little bit counts.

Here's to a wonderful new year!

May our glasses be full, our hearts open and our spirits willing to share the love!

Where do you donate throughout the year? Tell us about the people and causes you support. 

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

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