Christy's family started a tradition last year where the adults chose in lieu of giving physical gifts to each other, we would give the gift of service. We would choose a name of a family member and instead of giving service to that person, we gave service to someone else, and hopefully along the lines of something that meant something to the person they chose. For example, if the person loved apples, then the service was hopefully something that had to do with apples. Then after the service we write about it with pictures and then read all the posts on Christmas Day among our family.
Brian chose my sister, Amber. He did a really great job giving service in her name. Here is a copy of his write up.
When it came time to thinking of service that I could do on her behalf, I struggled for a little while; until I heard about the Angel Tree program they do on the army base for those less fortunate. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's where you pick a name off the tree of a child who is in need of a toy at Christmastime. I didn't like the idea of some of the children over here not having much of a Christmas; especially when one of their parents might be deployed or gone for the holidays. So I went down to one of the (several) "trees" that were to be found in our area and found a 3-year old Boy and a 2-year old Girl that I could try to help make Christmas a little better for this year.
The boy loves Barney. That was a challenge, since it seems that Barney isn't the most popular toy these days. I checked three or four toy stores, but didn't have much luck. But fortunately, walking through an electronics store I came across a 3-DVD set of classic Barney episodes. Then, Spencer wanted to help, so he suggested that the boy would surely love some Thomas trains. So we added two Thomas the Tank Engine metal trains to the gift bag.
The second thing I did in Amber's honor was take part in the Mrs. Claus project Christy's friend started last year. Over here, and even in the states, there are many families whose spouses would be deployed on Christmas. A lot of times these spouses don't receive Christmas gifts because it takes too long to get to them. Or many times their husband is coming home in month so they can bring the gifts then, or they simply just don't have the money. Many of them are disappointed, sad and a little depressed not to have something to open on Christmas Day.
When Annie first heard of this she knew these spouses left behind needed a little something to be opened on Christmas Day. And who knows better about being left alone on Christmas than Mrs. Claus. Thus, the Mrs. Claus Affair!
Each spouse is nominated and then the Mrs. Claus Affair finds volunteers to fill a basket with about $50-$75 worth of gifts and bring it to them before Christmas Eve. Here is the nomination email and instructions of what we're supposed to do.
Andrew writes:
"Amanda
is a volunteer dance instructor, for children. She dances ballet, hip-hop
- everything for fun as well. My wife is good friends with her and says
she really wants a “Nutcracker” , the character from the ballet. I guess
it is at the christmas store in the BX (I have know idea, being a man!).
She also likes dogs - has two of them. She would like to travel
more around here. Probably likes girl things like the spa and facials and
things like that. She is a very sweet 25yrs old, first time on her own
for the past 4months away from her husband. She is not able to take off
Christmas because of her job here, so she has decided to make the most of it
and will volunteer at the USO on Christmas day. Overall, Amanda is
easy-going and would be happy with any token of appreciation. We just
wanted to try something nice for her since we will be away from the holiday.
Thank you again,
Andrew"
Do
not feel obligated to get her a nutcracker, I say have fun shopping for
whatever you want to get her she sounds fun and easy.
So here are
your instructions:
1. Shop for something fabulous that you think is
appropriate. Whatever you can give is appreciated. Remember, we want her
to have something to open.
2. Write a PERSONAL LETTER including
your address and contact
information so she knows who was thinking of her.
3. Wrap gift with your letter included.
4. PRINT OFF THE ATTACHED LETTER from TMCA. Seal it in an
envelope and write, "READ ME FIRST" on the outside.
5. Deliver package!
 |
| Here's Christy running it in to the girls. We got to meet her and she seemed genuinely shocked and overjoyed that we would think of her. I left my email just in case she wanted to touch base with us. But at least she wasn't one of the ones who were "left behind" on Christmas! |
Love you Amber!!!
-Brian
