Giving with dignity: Making this Christmas season even more magical

---

By: Abby Glaser

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here! If you are like me, you are already making progress on your shopping list for Christmas. One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is seeing the generosity of our community. There’s something about the Christmas spirit that brings out the best in us! You may like to give to organizations that help those in need or you may prefer to do it yourself through adopting families or giving trees. However you spread Christmas joy this year, consider giving the gift of dignity! You may be wondering what that means... allow me to explain!

Many of the families I work with struggle during the holidays. They are hard working families, and their resources go towards keeping the household afloat. Unfortunately, that often means there is little “extra” for gifts.  While I know they appreciate any help this time of year, consider helping in a way that allows them to gift their children. Whether that is cash, a gift card, or simply unwrapped gifts that they can wrap themselves...think about giving those parents the gift of providing presents for their own children.

Be willing to forego the warm feelings in the moment of presenting gifts to children and allow parents to bless their children with things they may not be able to provide otherwise! You not only help a family have a wonderful holiday, but you also recognize the hard work of parents to provide necessities for their children and offer them the chance to see the joy in those kids' faces opening gifts from Mom, Dad or Santa! This also helps parents keep the magic of Christmas alive for their kids by waking up in the morning to presents under the tree.

​Though the past two years have been difficult for many, the holidays offer us an opportunity to give back to our community in a beautiful way! We can make the Christmas season even more magical by recognizing the dignity of each and every person we encounter in our giving!