Christmas Spirit

Last night as I was getting wrapping paper and ribbon out of the attic, Addie asked me if I was going to wrap some gifts for her and Mayzie, Jonah, and David. I told her no, but that I was going to take it to a party where a bunch of moms from the neighborhood were going to wrap gifts for families who don't have much money or gifts for their  kids. I told her that the little boy is her age and his sister is Mayzie's age and that they are having a baby too. 

She was immediately motivated to find something to give too. She asked if she could pick out a dress-up dress. I asked if she would like to give her Cinderella shoes to the little girl and she surprised me by saying yes. I know she really likes those shoes! She even went one step further and picked out a dress that matched. It was a dress she recently recieved and really loves. I was surprised and touched by her generosity! 

What happened next was even better though. She went down stairs to tell Mayzie and Jonah what we were doing. I was sure Mayzie was going to make a stink about the shoes and the dress, but she amazed me too by heading up stairs to pick out more gifts for the little girl. Even Jonah wanted in on the gift giving. He also went to his room to pick out a car for the little boy. They both came back with very nice options, not the crap that they don't even want any more. The truck Jonah picked is one of my favorites and one I know he loves too. I wasn't sure about giving all of it away (unsure if Jonah is old enough to know what he was truly doing and remember the next day where his truck went!), but was so excited about their compassion and spirit of giving!  Jonah did ask where his truck was the next morning, and started to tell me that he wanted it, but when I showed it to him all wrapped up and ready to go with the other gifts, he was calmed and said nothing more about it. The girls were delivered and hopefully they will bring smiles to another family on Christmas Morning.

It brought tears to my eyes seeing that my kids are so. I really have taught them something! It's amazing! They really do care about others. I say this in jest a bit, but they are young and this is a bit of a mature concept. It's not easy to give away your things, especially those things you like. It's not everyday that a child this age (or my children) think of others this way. I am touched and my heart is warmed by the altruism my children have developed, even if it was just for one day. They motivated each other in a beautiful and loving manner. I am so proud of them and motivated to share more giving opportunities with them. As a kids John and I both had opportunities to give to others, to volunteer in different situations of need, and to participate in charitable events. We also plan to do these things with our kids. I have been waiting for them to be older, but think they just might be ready sooner than later. 

Their generosity has brightened my own Christmas Spirit!