Christmas in July

This is a little off the topic of what I typically post about, but I felt it was important.

I started this when Landon was born, because I was so thankful for him, and I wanted to help other children. It's not big, but I know to that one child, it can make their day. For that reason, we do it every year, and it is now our tradition. I'm excited to share this with Gavin this year, even though he won't really understand what is going on, since he is so young. I want to set the precedence with my boys to be kind and thoughful of others, and to also show them how VERY lucky they are to have all they do, including love from their parents and family, a safe home, as well as toys to call their own to play with.

Every year we pick a handful of kids at Hillview Acres Children's Home and we buy them Christmas gifts. The one thing that I LOVE about this, is the children make a wish list, and you actually personally can buy them their favorite toy! It's awesome. Every year they post their wish list online (you can view last years here). I got to thinking, and for them to get the help they need, along with their necessities is great, along with the support from the home. But all these kids are just like the rest of the children, and want the "cool" toy or "in style" clothes, right? I know these are materialistic items, but they bring them joy and when I think of where these children come from, absolutely breaks my heart.

This is what we do, and this is why I'm sharing this in July.

We have a piggy bank. Landon puts coins in his bank everyday, this is loose change, etc. To date, we have over $50 and we still have a few months. I always have Landon pick a boy his age, and one he finds shares his same interests (usually superheroes). Most of the time it's also a toy he wants for Christmas, but this is all part of providing for others and teaching him to act unselfishly. He does it very generously, and honestly, the past 3 years, since he was 2 years old, he has never cried for the gift he is giving to someone else. He loves it!

I typically buy for the older kids as well, because I don't want them to feel left out, and the teenagers need to feel the love too. You will see, some of them ask for the simplest pleasures, soft, fuzzy slippers and PJ's.

You can start this tradition with your children if you are looking for something to help others through the holidays. I'm hoping we will have close to around $90 in loose change by the holidays, which is what we usually have. Troy and I also match that, and me and Landon have a blast shopping for these kids! You don't actually get to meet the children, but on Christmas morning, I am filled with happiness seeing my child open gifts, as well as knowing I'm helping a few others experience the same joy - they so greatly deserve.

Landon and I talk about our Christmas kids throughout the year, and he asks questions about the ones we have previously bought for, and we often wonder what has come about them. You don't realize the impact you are setting for your child, he STILL talks about Angel, a little boy from 2007 we bought for. STILL!

Throw your loose change in a jar, and do this whenever you see some laying around. I guarantee you will have more than enough to make Christmas morning a magical one for even ONE child with just ONE gift.