Spreading holiday cheer

The annual children’s Christmas shopping day at the Methodist Church has become something my 7-year-old daughter, Breeklee, looks forward to every season. The excitement and anticipation over being able to select gifts for Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa all on her own is almost too much for her at times. 
For the first time this year, we included my 4-year-old Kazen in the shopping adventure and I was overwhelmed by the excitement on his face as we carried our wrapped gifts to the car. 
This day of shopping, in which kids ages 10 and younger get to select gifts for the loved adults in their life, free of charge, is something I am so glad my children have the opportunity to participate in. It teaches them that Christmas isn’t all about getting and that the holiday is just as much about giving. 
The adventure begins with high school volunteers taking each child to the basement of the church, where the Christmas shop is located, to select the perfect gift for the important adults in their life. Then, the students help the children perfectly wrap the gifts so those adults can be surprised at what they receive. 
Kazen, for the first time, I’m pretty sure, was excited about others getting presents, and not just himself. According to his sister, he joyfully and quickly picked out gifts for Mommy and Daddy … before finding the perfect bear to wrap for himself. 
I laughed as I carried the gifts to the car reading the tag that said “to Kazen, from Kazen.” 
The opportunity to participate in an event like this is something I never knew as a child and I’m overjoyed that my children have the opportunity to learn to give from a community that is the best at giving. 
We come together not only to help children shop free of charge for their parents but also to support anyone who may need help this time of year. To that, I say we are pretty lucky, and to those who selflessly give at this time of year, I say thank you. 
Now it is time to set up our tree – yes, I know we are running super behind – and place the gifts the kids got for us under the tree with the rest of the presents. I know Kazen and Breeklee can’t wait to see the excitement on our faces as we open our gifts, and I know this because I have had to stop them from telling us what is in each package multiple times over the past few days. 
Here is to hoping they can keep the secret for two more weeks, and here is to a holiday full of happiness and love for everyone who is reading this. 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!