How Giving A Gift Gifted Me

December 23, 2017

It’s weird because Christmas used to be my favorite holiday. I’m not sure if it’s because everyone seems so happy, because of the food, family, fun, and gift giving/receiving, or if it’s because I usually got to spend it with both my mom and my dad’s side of the family. It just kind of worked out that way.

This year, I wasn’t looking forward to Christmas at all! I still love holiday movies, Christmas lights, and the food but as far as family traditions…those have kind of gone out the window. Last year on Christmas Eve was one of the scariest days of my life. My stepmom and I had a huge dispute that has changed the dynamic of my family for the worst. It ended with us still not speaking and bringing in Christmas in the hospital because of a dispute that my dad was in shortly after. Who would’ve thought that trying to make the most of my favorite holiday (for the first time without my grandmother) would turn into such a disaster?

It was so hard! The hardest part may have been that I bottled it in and had a ton of unsettled resentment. Resentment that I didn’t realize was still there until the holidays rolled around this year and I had to face the fact that my family has truly changed. Making it through the year wasn’t very difficult because I was usually only see my family during holidays. Especially now that I live in Dallas. I didn’t know how to handle my emotions so once they hit, they really hit! Have you ever been there?

Last year, a friend of mine wrote me about my involvement in the community and asked if we could partner to gift a kid and their family for Christmas. Of course, I was on board! Why not? It was amazing! And to my surprise, we were able to do it again this year. Which is exactly what I needed and I think I’ll cherish for quite some time. Of course, I give to other organizations and we did angel tree at work but to interact with the kid and his family brought me so much joy! They were beyond grateful and their spirits were so high. I thought that I was doing them a favor and it ended up that they were doing me one.

Holidays aren’t always great for everyone. A lot of us deal with a lot of pain for many reasons or maybe just don’t like the holidays. I’d never thought I’d be one of those people but I can truly say giving back helps to kick all negativity and pull you out of any funk. Even if you don’t recognize it until later (it took me sleeping on my experience to snap out of it). What are ways that you give back during the holidays? How has it helped you?

I’m so excited to do more next year and give back on a larger scale. Anyone want to partner?