December/Christmas in my Home

This is the time of year that many of us are extremely busy with Christmas preparations and shopping. For my household it is the busiest time of year for us. This is one of the times of year that we purge the house. We go through our closets and make three piles of clothing: (1) stuff that fits and will keep; (2) stuff that doesn’t fit or we don’t wear but are not in the best condition to discard; and (3) stuff that doesn’t fit or we don’t wear that can be donated. I also, take the time with my daughter to go through her play center and she decides what toys she no longer plays with that can go to children in need.

I take this opportunity to discuss and teach my daughter about people and families in need that go without due to many different circumstances. The whole process is a time for my family to ponder and consider the ones that are less fortunate and need a helping hand. We donate our clothes and my daughter’s toys to the Sheriff King Centre. I have explained to my daughter that the clothes that do not fit us go to moms’ and children that are without a home and that are fleeing from a bad situation and need help to get back onto their feet - sorta like what Grandma and Papa did for us when we needed help.

This time of year is about giving, love and respecting all of mankind. I teach my daughter that it is not just about Santa and presents. We do part take in the normal festivities that occur around this time of year; but we also take this month to reflect on how lucky we are to have what we do have and to be generous and share with people who are not as fortunate as ourselves.

Many things in life are privileges and not a given right – I strongly believe that my daughter needs to be constantly aware of this. With this humbling knowledge she will learn to not take things for granted, open her heart to the less fortunate and to learn to give to the individuals who are in need of a helping hand and a kind gesture.

What I have noticed over the years is that my daughter has a kind heart and is extremely generous – sometimes very over zealous with her generosity. It always humbles me and gives me great pride to watch her diligently go through her clothing and toys; to see how beautifully generous and kind she is. Especially, to see how aware she has become and have her show that she comprehends to true meaning of giving, love and respect for mankind.