While my family was eating dinner, we were also watching the evening news.  Of course, it was the usual doom and gloom over the economy.  I was just about to turn it off, when they reported that 25% of lower income people are not eating for 24 hours now, to cut back.  Can you imagine not being able to feed your family, or keep them warm at night?  The news went on to say that this would be the lowest spending season for the holidays in 40 years, they predict.  The poverty rate is rising, daily.  It broke my heart.

I am blessed and I know it. My family wants for nothing.  My husband and I don't need anything. We have each other, wonderful children, good health, great jobs and a roof over our heads.  As my family continued to watch the down trodden news, I had my AH HA moment!  Why should my husband and I buy for each other?  Why not make a difference in a needy families life?  I approached my husband and as suspected, he loved the idea.  I've always given during the holidays, but I plan on REALLY stepping it up this year.  I'm sure many of you give as well.

I had just called my Aunt and Uncle today for clues about what to get them for Christmas.  They are also blessed and don't need a darned thing.  That is when it hit me!   I called my Aunt and Uncle and told them my idea. They loved it!

My husband and I are going to take the money we would have spent on each other and see how many families we can help this year, here in Huntsville Alabama. If one elderly person can stay warm, I'll be happy.  If one family has food on their table and a few gifts for the children from Santa, I'll be happy.

We will be spending Christmas at my Aunt and Uncles in Beavercreek, Ohio this year.  The family has banned together and we are going to adopt 2 families in the Dayton area and stock their shelves, buy gifts for their kids and make sure they also stay warm.

                                             

After discussing this with my family, I had the biggest AH HA of all.  What if our Active Rain family did the same thing?  Who's willing to give up their gift, so a child can fall asleep with a full tummy?  Who's willing to give up their gift so an elderly person can wake up in a warm bed?  Can you imagine the difference we can will make in lives all over our fine country?  We may even have some Active Rain family members that need our help.  I know how giving many of us are.  How lucky many of us are.  I also realize that so many people are struggling this year.  Let's make a difference!  Lets ALL be Santa!

                                        

I challenge you to make a difference in someones life over the Holiday season.  If you have been blessed, pass it on!  Gifts don't get any better than the gift of giving!  Let's give the gift of Hope this year.  Are you in?

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

Courtesy of Elizabeth Cooper-Golden  Huntsville AL Realtor (R)

Broker/Owner @ Homes Realty Group

475 Providence Main Street   Suite 302                                                   

Huntsville, AL  35806

Huntsville Real Estate 

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36 Comments on My Christmas challenge to you! Let's all make a difference this year!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
12
2008

Elizabeth - Thank you and your family for giving back to the less fortunate.  A few of the contributions that I do each year that are dear to my heart during November and December is to volunteer in my community to the Second Harvest Food Bank and provide Christmas to some of the foster children in the area.  I feel this is the least that I can do to pass on the blessings that I have received.   May God bless you!
9:29pm • #17
238,110 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

I'm in.  My husband doesn't need to get anything this year.  He was not a good boy.  I am more than happy to give his gift to someone else.  Not really.  I have enough to contribute to a family and for him as well.  He deserves it, having to put up with me.
9:29pm • #18

Elizabeth:

Thanks for putting in writing what many have realized--the true spirit of Christmas is the giving part.  We need to set an example for our kids--I have 2 teenagers who sometimes forget that the world does not revolve around them!

How about giving the gift of good cheer?  It doesn't cost anything to pass along a kind word,  hold the door for someone, or let someone go before you in line at the grocery store, or just smile and say "good morning"!
9:33pm • #19
NOV
13
2008
960,785 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

A great message! I love this time of year!

your friend in Charlottesville!
6:39am • #20
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kenneth-That is wonderful!  My children were adopted through the Foster care system.  God Bless you. You are a kind soul! 
6:42am • #21
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Angelia, How funny!  You have a great sense of humor.  My husband deserves something too, for putting up with me, lol.  Let's share stories afterwards!  You go girl!  Thanks so very much:)
6:44am • #22
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Susan-You mean to tell me the world doesn't revolve around all teenagers?  My daugher will be shocked, lol...amen to that, for sure!

You are so right about giving the gift of kindness!  I'll start doing that today.  It's so easy to be caught up in our own little worlds and rush around. I'll slow down and be kind!
6:49am • #23
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Charles-I love this time of year also.  Brings out the best in all of us, doesn't it?
6:50am • #24
874,820 Points 154 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great idea, we always donate to a family. This year we will probably do more and we really have more than we need and I will just be glad to have them all home.
8:13am • #25
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Missy-We are truly blessed, aren't we?  Life is good and sometimes I forget how lucky I am!  Good for you for doing so much for others.  I typically buy for needy kids and wanted to step it up a bit as well!  I think having family together during the holidays is always the best gift.
8:39am • #26
178,295 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Elizabeth - The Salvation Army Angel Tree is one of my favorite things to donate to.  My wife and I select 1-2 kids every year and buy clothes, toys, etc.  They also operate a sorting and distribution facility here in Louisville.  Every year hundreds of people go and sort through the donations to make sure every child gets at least 3 toys and some clothes.  They then bundle everything for the parents.  It is incredible and moving to see such a large scale operation powered primarily by volunteers.
1:54pm • #27
429,579 Points 43 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Elizabeth...You and your family are going to enjoy this Christmas so much. 

We have been doing the same thing although we pick out different charities and donate what would have been spent on gifts.  In place of purchased gifts we try to give one another very personal items.  I usually select photos I have taken on my travels or ones that I think will be special to the recipient.

You are doing a very worthwhile thing.

Kate

 
10:46pm • #28
NOV
15
2008
1,142,810 Points 242 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Elizabeth!  I LOVE it!  This is SO you--you are truly a beautiful person and I accept the challange!  We've been discussing that this year as well!  I think that I've talked a few others here into joining in so that they can have MORE this year.  Hopefully it will turn out to be the best holiday EVER for our adopted families!

Debe in Charlotte
6:53pm • #29
NOV
17
2008
1,142,810 Points 242 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey Girl!  I'm back to say that I just checked your profile and you'd best start writing that 100K post--you're ALMOST there!  It goes fast doesn't it?!

Debe in Charlotte
10:36pm • #30
NOV
18
2008
243,011 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Great post, Elizabeth.  Goodness knows I could do with skipping a meal now and again, but what a terrible situation to be in where you HAVE to to make ends meet... or to try and get them to meet.  It really doesn't take much to help someone in need.  Most people would be amazed at how little it really takes to keep someone from going hungry.  Do without a present?  You betcha. Those with the ability to help have an obligation to help.
3:30am • #31

Thanks for the nudge Elizabeth. We are choosing for both Thanksgiving and Christmas to just spend time with family. No commercialism...no gifts...no fuss. It's the best gift!
5:28am • #32
655,774 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Elizabeth, this is such a wonderful thing!  It's great to see so many people who want to help.
12:00pm • #33
439,223 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Elizabeth~ I Love your idea about Santa!  I know I don't need a single thing this year.  Don't most of us buy what we want and need all year anyway? I know there are plenty of people in need this year.  I intend to find those that are in need..... But, they will have no idea where their surprises came from.  Have you read about 29gifts.com? I just signed up for that and that is a neat idea too!  Vickie 

8:23pm • #34
621,899 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Elizabeth our church is having something too as well. But I accept your challenge Liz. We definitely need to do some things for a whole lot of families in this country. I hear that a lot of families are going to cut back on Christmas shopping this year because they just won't be able to afford it. I am definitely going to do something. Thanks for writing this post liz. May God always continue to bless you extremely,abundantly and beyond your wildest dream. Take care my friend. Great post.
10:00pm • #35
DEC
06
2008

What a great blog, thanks for sharing it.  Helps you realize how good we really have it.
7:50am • #36

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