The Season of Giving (and a Giveaway)

My brother Shepard died of cancer on November 29th, 2000. That year, several families did a 12 Days of Christmas for us.

I never found out who it was (although my parents may know), but I still clearly remember what a happy thing that was during a fairly difficult Christmas season.

I’ve always wanted giving to be part of our family Christmas celebrations, so when Kohl’s contacted me a few months ago and asked if we’d be interested in being matched with a family that needed some help for Christmas and picking out gifts for them at Kohl’s, Bart and I immediately said yes.

Two weeks ago, we received the information about the children, their sizes, a few things they wanted for Christmas, plus a gift card to Kohl’s to purchase the items, and yesterday the girls and I met Bart at our local Kohl’s during lunchtime, and we spent about an hour picking out items for three children in our area.

(Although these kids are young, they are substantially older than my girls, so it kind of broke my heart every time Ella picked out some toy she thought was the best and said, “Would those kids like THIS?” and I had to tell her that, no, it probably wasn’t quite the right toy for a nine-year-old boy).

I was really glad Bart came along, because he helped make sure we picked out a good combination of practical things like jackets and fun things, like a remote-controlled helicopter.

Also, I had saved a 20% off coupon that had come in the mail a few weeks ago, and when the total after the coupon came up as $149.55 (our budget was $150), Bart and I both possibly did a little cheer in the checkout lane.

Then we sat in the car and had a little picnic lunch with some sandwiches I’d packed, which was just a ridiculously nice forty-five minutes as a family.

This afternoon, we’ll drop off the bags of gifts at the local charity that we’re working through and we’ll cross our fingers the clothing fits and the toys are fun. And feel grateful for all we have – we are so very very fortunate.

This post wasn’t sponsored (although, I guess I do have a Kohl’s gift card with 45 cents on it. I’ll try not to spend it all in one place). Kohl’s provided the gift cards for us to buy the presents and the gift card for the giveaway. All words, pictures, and cute children are my own. 

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136 Comments

  4. I love involving our kids in opportunities to give and serve especially now that they're old enough to really be involved and remember them. Thanks!

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  5. I love involving our kids in opportunities to give and serve especially now that they're old enough to really be involved and remember them. Thanks!

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  7. What a great thing to do at the holidays. It's great to share the concept of giving with your girls and making it a fun, family activity. Holiday fun and goodwill certainly brightens the winter.

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  8. I used to go to Kohl's much more when it was close. In Ohio. But I could still make the trip with a gift card in hand. Glad you guys had a fun outing. And glad it was warm enough to eat in the car. Not so much here.

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  11. Seriously, her red hair kills me. (Although please let us never have one; can you imagine a redheaded Indian? Heinous.)

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  15. Have you been following the 12 Days that someone is doing for Christy's family? Obviously there could be nothing as devastating as the passing of a child, but seeing the outpouring of kindness that her family is receiving is so heartwarming. Ty is always saying that there is such immense untapped potential for generosity in people. It's too bad that we sometimes need a tragedy to bring it out in us.

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  17. I love shopping for families who aren't expecting much for Christmas. I always hope we put in a little cheer in their day!

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  18. we love kohl's. they have so much in one place and great prices. how fun to hear that they are also involved in great giving.

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