Thursday, December 02, 2010

Random Acts of Christmas

If you've been following me for awhile, you know I have a pretty fabulous Mom

Several years ago, my Mom sent my brothers and sisters and me a letter indicating that she was done receiving Christmas presents, or at least she didn't want anymore stuff.  Instead, she wanted us to perform an act of service, write it down and give it to her as her gift.  She asked for this knowing full well that doing the service would be of more benefit to us than either her or the recipient(s).

Some years I have done better at fulfilling this request than others.  Often, time just gets away from me and at the 11th hour I will pick a charitable cause and donate money instead of actually doing anything.  Last year was a particularly poor effort.  I was determined not to have a repeat performance this time around.  Accordingly, this year's gift of service to my Mom will be:

25 days of Random Acts of Christmas.  

Day 1:  For my first random act, I wrote a letter to a friend who has made my life significantly better because she is in it.  I have known this friend for many years and I have never taken the time to tell her just how important she is to me.  I finally did, today.  I thought about sending the letter anonymously, but then realized that defeated the purpose of the note. 

Obviously, my random acts are not necessarily going to be earth-shattering or end world hunger, but I hope they will make a few people smile, lighten a load or two and serve as a reminder to me and my family of what Christmas is really about -- service, family, friendship, joy, rejoicing and love. 

 

8 comments:

The Songer said...

Love this idea.. You're mom is genius! Have a fun service filled Holiday!

The Doughracle said...

What a great concept, I love this and once I'm done collecting all the stuff I need :) may have to implement it myself!

Becky said...

I love this. What a great idea.

Jessica said...

What a great way to spend December. What a great mom. You're going to fill us in, right?

Aidan Donnelley Rowley said...

What a wonderful idea and wonderful Mom you have! Giving is such a tremendous part of happiness and you you are lucky to have a parent instill such an important lesson in you. Very inspiring :)

Lauren in GA said...

I am in awe of your mom. What a great thing to request!

K. Crisler said...

Look at you putting the rest of us to shame. All your mom asks for is one simple little thing and we are so lame at accomplishing the task. Love this idea, maybe it will give me some motivation? Miss you

terahreu said...

I just might have to steal this idea from you and your mom! So awesome!

 

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