When I was a child I got really worked up about Christmas. One of my most vivid Christmas memories was shopping with my Father the week before Christmas. I was four and as he held my hand and walked me through the store, he asked me what I wanted most. I dragged him to the toy section and pointed to a lovely china tea set, much like the one pictured. (Even as a child I had a keen love of tableware.)
He pulled down the box from the shelf I couldn't reach and put the tea set in my hands. "I want you to buy this," he said, "for someone else." So I took that tea set, with its cups and saucers and bought it, wrapped it, and gave it away for Christmas. Of course, on Christmas morning I had that exact tea set under the tree, but for each Christmas he was alive, he made me buy that one thing I wanted most and give it to someone else. It has been an enduring lesson. Many blogs are suggesting Christmas gift ideas, so here are a couple that will continue to give, long after the decorations are down.
I love my bees and chickens. They bring me great joy. For women in many parts of the world, however, a flock of chickens or a hive of bees can be the difference in feeding their entire village. For a small contribution, Heifer International changes lives by providing livestock and seeds to struggling villages.
Over at Pigtown Design, Meg works with kids who have suffered in ways that are truly unimaginable to most of us. In these tough economic times, the kids at Woodbourne could use a helping hand.
If you have a favorite charity, dedicate a post to them this Christmas. And as for you, find that one thing you REALLY want and give it to someone else.
