'Tis the Season

My office has adopted a family for Christmas. I've done this the last few years at work, and it's so great. I just had so much fun shopping for our little family. It's a mom, a 5 year old girl, and a 2 year old little boy. Of course going in, I was thinking "cute clothes and toys - what fun!" But now that we've learned more about our family, it's become so much more. We found out that our family lives in an apartment and they sleep on the floors. They sleep on the floors as in they have no beds. It breaks my heart. And yet, this has given me the most joy this holiday season. I love shopping for friends and family, don't get me wrong. I love finding that perfect little gift that will make someone happy. But, this is shopping with a purpose. This is giving in the true spirit of the season. I love how our little office has banded together to get beds for the family, bedding, clothes, toys, a set of dishes, etc. It's all made me realize just how lucky I am to have such a great group of co-workers, a fantastic family, a loving husband, and a good job. I'm not one to get all hokey but it's really just inspired me. In fact, it's something I should be doing more of - good for others, that is. So, I'm going to get into volunteering again. It's something I did while I lived in RDU and loved it, so I need to get involved in CLT too. I'm thinking I'll do domestic violence and rape crisis work again, but we'll see. Maybe I should switch it up - but either way, I need to get involved and give back. Otherwise it's just so easy to get caught up in my own drama and self-pity when truly my life is good. I need to appreciate what I have, and give back throughout the year - not just Christmas.