The Season of Giving

Out of the many holidays we celebrate here in the United States, one of my favorite would have to be Christmas. It is the one of the few times in the year that my family all come together out at my grandparents’ farm. We laugh, we eat A LOT, we open presents, and relax and catch-up around the fireplace in the den. It is a very relaxing time and it always seems no matter what is going on outside in the world, there is always a sense of serenity and happiness out at the farm.

Naturally, whenever I met Stacey I wanted to make sure she could experience this and hopefully, want to keep coming back time and time again. Jump ahead nearly 3 years and we are now getting married in less than 2 months (get EXCITED!) so she has certainly had time to appreciate “farm time”. A few months ago though, we were driving, talking about upcoming Christmas season and all of the festivities when a conversation came up that surprised me.

Me: Hey baby, excited for December?

Stacey: YEAH, of course, but it is going to be really busy though

Me: Yeah true, I am looking forward to hanging out at the farm, and seeing your family and the babies but it will certainly be craziness!

Stacey: Yeah, I love the babies! Plus, all my family will be there so we will all be going to church and maybe volunteering.

Stacey: Does your family ever volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter or anywhere?

Phil: Hmmm, I don’t think so, wait, are you serious?

Stacey: Are YOU serious?

We then proceeded to have a conversation about even though we always enjoyed family time, more people than we realize don’t have to opportunity to share that enjoyment. I certainly had thought about volunteering in the past but once the holidays came around, it seemed as though we were always in a rush or made more plans than we had time. Stacey and I both agreed though that “family time” was often one of the happiest times of the holiday season. Considering how much we both valued it, we wanted to make sure others experienced it as well.

So we made a pact!

Stacey and I decided that this upcoming Christmas season, we were going to volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter one day in hopes that we can bring some “family time” to people who are not as fortunate as ourselves. We figured through all the rush and plans of the holidays, giving up one afternoon would not change our plans and hopefully, bring happiness to many others. 

So as I sit here typing this Mid-October morning, my mind begins to think of all of the excitement of this upcoming holiday season, of all the fun and festivities to be had. But I also realize how thankful I am. I am thankful for many things/people in my life but without a doubt, one person is Stacey.  Among many amazing qualities, she reminds me how no matter what good and bad we all experience throughout the year, this holiday season and many others after it should truly be the season of giving.

What positive changes are you making for this upcoming holiday season?