
Adopt a Family - Gift left secretly for a family in need
by Stephanie Partridge
As a single mom raising three kids on her own, our Christmases were sometimes a little scant. But while we did not have much by way of money or material goods, we had loads of love. We still do. We, the kids and I, have always felt rich, fortunate. My daughter always says, "We don't have much, but we have everything." And it is that philosophy that led us to a very special project a few years ago that became a Christmas tradition for our family.
One year, several years ago, we learned of a family who would not have much for Christmas. Both parents had been laid off and they were struggling just to put food on the table. They had two young children and it bothered my kids that these little ones would not have any Christmas presents.
Now, you have to realize here that I have three of the most tender hearts in the world residing within my children. They became aware of the situation and they began worrying about the family. They worried about how the parents felt because they couldn't give their children a Christmas. They worried about the children because they wouldn't understand why Santa did not visit them.
So they put their heads together and came up with a solution. They wanted to "adopt" the family. READ More on Adopt a Family for Christmas
It is that time of year when we all look back on the year we have had and get ready to make our lists of promises to ourselves about how we are going to improve in the New Year. Yes, I am talking about New Year’s Resolutions. We all know the old stand-bys such as losing weight or quitting a bad habit. This year I would like to make a proposal, make your New Year’s Resolutions about bringing your family closer.
I know that at this time with our economy as bad as it is, and many of us face the hardest times that we can remember. It is now, at this time of year that we need to look at all we each have to be thankful for and focus on how to make those connections stronger then ever. What are the reasons you get up each and every day and try to do your best? The answer is the family that you have around you. With a strong family bond in place, it makes even the toughest of times easier to get through. Plus you are teaching your children what is really important in life, and it will encourage them to always strive to not just do their best, but to keep them grounded and focused as they grow. I pray that we have done that with our children, as I am sure that you do.
Beyond Santa Claus


