Friday, November 30, 2012

A Time To Give

Wow, wow, WOW.

I am most certainly in the holiday spirit!

Decorations up? Check!

Tree up? Check!

Shopping complete? Almost check!

Holiday festivities? Double check!

Christmas music? CHECK!

The holiday season is upon us, y'all. Instead of thinking about the material value of the holidays, I'm taking this holiday season with a new look. A look of faith.

I was just out and about doing some Christmas shopping. Normally, we tend to forget the true meaning of the holidays and focus on what we're hoping to receive. For me, this season is all about GIVING. As I was shopping and picking up gifts for my loved ones, I couldn't help but smile and get excited when thinking about their excitement and joy when they unwrap their gift.

My heart was filled with warmth because I knew that I would be making them smile.
I will be a part of their happiness.

That's the best feeling in the world.
Being able to bring someone else joy is a remarkable gift that we all hold within us and it's our duty to make use of it.

While in Barnes and Noble, the cashier asked me if I'd like to donate a book to children who were effected by Hurricane Sandy. Normally, I would pay no mind, the cashiers usually offer you things to make you spend more money, but I'm so glad I decided to listen. I donated a book (Monsters Inc. to be exact) and couldn't help but smile because I knew how much joy that will give one special little girl or boy at Christmas time.

What have you guys given to someone else during this time? You still have time!!

A few other acts of kindness I've done lately:

I wrote a Christmas card for a cancer patient in St. Jude's Children's Hospital.I know that a simple card will bring a smile to the child that receives it.  I ask that you keep them in your prayers and donate if you can.

At my church, we have this little Christmas tree towards the front called the "Giving Tree". Instead of being decorated in ornaments, it's decorated with tags. On the back of each tag is an item that a family is in need of. I decided that I wanted to help someone who is less fortunate than I, so I took two. One tag asked for socks for a little girl, the other a woman's sweater. Socks and sweaters will bring a smile to someone's face this Christmas. Think about that.

I will also be helping out with a food drive as it gets closer to the holidays.

My point isn't to show you how much of a saint I am. My hope is to inspire you.
No matter what holiday you celebrate, if any at all, take this holiday season and do something for someone else. No matter how big or how small, every act of kindness counts.

This Wednesday I was a VIP guest at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE  I feel so blessed to have been a part of something so amazing.

I am so excited because tomorrow I will be going to Lincoln Center to see the Nutcracker for the first time. I love my city! I'll be going with my mother and my aunt. I can't wait to experience such a magnificent show! What a way to get even MORE into the holiday spirit.

I love you all and I hope that you are getting into the holiday spirit.
I wish you all a happy and blessed week.

Love always,
Christina Bracco
PERSONAL TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0

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