The gift of giving

Kelli Rodda

December marks the season of giving and receiving, which for me certainly conjures up blessed memories of walking sleepy-eyed into the living room to see what Santa brought, unwrapping boxes with fervor peppered with squeals of delight. I also remember shopping with dad for my mom’s Christmas presents. Boy, did we get her some doozies. Anyone remember hot-dog makers and deep fryers from the 1970s? Thankfully, dad has immensely improved his gift-giving skills.

Fast-forward a few decades, and I recall helping Santa pick out toys for my kiddos throughout the years – Lego sets, bikes, skateboards, games, books. My oldest is a teenager now, but I have one left in the house who still believes in Santa. This may be the last year she believes, which makes me a bit melancholy.

Besides finding special things for my children, it’s just as enjoyable buying for strangers. I started a Christmas tradition with my kids when they were little. Each year we shop for “angels” off the Salvation Army angel tree. They look forward to it each year, and it’s helped instill in them a grateful and giving heart.

After Thanksgiving this year, I was at the Lion’s Club looking through some of the wish lists for children in our community. One 15-year-old boy didn’t want an Xbox or a phone. He wanted a pocket watch, tennis shoes and jeans. Those things were important to him. It feels great to provide those things for him.
 

Giving Tuesday and beyond

The Tuesday after the so-called Black Friday and Cyber Monday has been deemed Giving Tuesday. It’s a global day dedicated to giving back. I love this idea! It’s a way for charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world to celebrate generosity and to give. If you missed it this year, plan a way for your company to participate next year. But don’t wait 12 months – ask your employees how they’d like to help the community and make it happen once a quarter. Collect non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. Visit a nursing home. Plant a garden at a group home. Giving back inspires a feeling of pride, which will spill over into your own day-to-day operations.