'Tis The Season

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be seen from two different perspectives. For a child, anxiously awaiting for Christmas Day, the time drags on forever. Adults, especially parents, feel that there is never enough time to get things done. Shopping, sending out cards, hosting or attending holiday parties, wrapping presents, baking cookies, and the list goes on....it can get overwhelming at times. I've learned that over the years, things will get done eventually. And in the end, everything may not turn out as planned, but things will still turn out just fine.

'Tis the season to also take time to serve others and to remember those who are less fortunate. I've always believed that if I can't give as much as I can financially to help others, I will give my time instead. My hope is that my children will grow up and learn that it is important to give selflessly to others and to give without expecting anything back in return.

So, with that said, I would like to share with you some small acts of kindness that got children involved in giving back to those who serve our great nation and to those who are less fortunate in our local communities.

The Cub Scouts had fun making handmade Christmas cards for our deployed Troops. They also made goodie bags that were sent to service members aboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, soldiers in Afghanistan, and a non-profit organization called Military Missions. We have received many thanks for such a simple act. We were honored that Military Missions even wrote about our scouts doing this service project on their blog!! You can check it out here: http://www.military-missions.org/2011/11/10/unsung-heroes-come-in-all-sizes/

Cub Scouts put together goody bags for our Troops.

Matthew makes a Christmas card for a soldier.

 As a homeroom mom for Matthew's 3rd grade class, we decided to do a service project for our parish's  Outreach Program. In particular, we chose to help the Pregnancy Outreach. The students collected  items such as diapers, baby bottles, layette items, booties, hats, blankets, etc. for newborns. The director of Pregnancy Outreach was very grateful for all the items donated and explained to the class that there were actually 8 women coming in that evening to receive some of our donations. Many of them are young, unwed, expecting this month, and are living in hotel rooms. I think that it was an eye opener for the kids to learn that not everyone is as fortunate as them.

OLMC's 3rd graders take donated baby items to the Pregnancy Outreach Program.

Food drives have always been a big thing to do, especially around the holidays. Our church is very big on putting together food baskets and having volunteers deliver them personally to needy families during the holidays, so they can have a decent meal. Sophia and Alex are involved in sorting the items and putting them in bags for delivery.

One of the most humbling things that I participated in with Matthew was the Wreaths Across America at the Hampton National Cemetery this weekend. We spent quite a few hours on a cold and windy morning, decorating wreaths with bows and fixing the branches. Nationwide ceremonies were held at 12 noon on Dec. 10th. We remember those who have died and served our country, and honor those who continue to serve. Matthew said that it was pretty cool to read the headstones and find out all the places and wars where the veterans served. He is currently reading a book about Pearl Harbor and starting to understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who serve so we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

Members of our U.S. Military at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

Matthew places a wreath on a veteran's grave.

 

Hampton National Cemetery.

I pray and hope that the next few weeks will be filled with joy and what the Christmas season is all about. May each and every one of you be blessed with the gifts of love, family, and friends. WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!