This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPS. All opinions are 100% mine.
Each of us, I’m sure, has someone in mind this special time of year who could use some extra love and something that will make the season bright.
As a mother, I’m trying to instill in my children a desire to reach out to others in need and to have a positive impact on the world. Of course this is a work-in-progress, but as December rolls around, we are presented with many more opportunities to give and to think outside of ourselves.
Last year we were able to go with my son’s preschool group to sing at a rest home for the elderly. The image of the kids standing by the fireplace and joyfully belting out carols still burns beautifully in my mind. They gave each of the members of the audience a big, warm hug and a plate of cookies on our way out the door. The grins on the folks’ wrinkled faces as they observed the sweet children was the highlight of our entire experience. We left with hearts feeling warmed.
Every year we also purchase gifts for a few individuals in our area who would otherwise go without. My kids come with me to help deliver those gifts. I appreciate this special time of year that allows me to focus more on teaching these important lessons, and even better, the opportunity that I have to lighten others’ loads, even just a bit.
Especially this time of year, I reflect regularly on my own abundant blessings and what I can do in turn to lift others’ burdens and bring smiles to faces.
We have some neighbors with an adorable daughter who has severe mental and physical handicaps. She was born extremely early and her body just wasn’t ready to meet the world. She’s eight years old, but requires constant care and supervision, which, during the week, happens via a home healthcare nurse while her mother and father are at work.
She communicates through very limited hand movements that her parents have come to recognize and associate with different needs.
She is ever attached to and dependent upon a heavy oxygen tank for her breaths. My kids, who consider her a dear friend, go to her birthday party every year and say “hello” over the fence when they see her out in her yard. She is the sweetest girl and has endured a great deal of hardship. Last year she fell extremely ill and was hospitalized for a few months. She had been attending a school that was very difficult to get into, and when she couldn’t attend for so long, lost her place. This little girl deserves all the good things in life.
So my holiday wish is for Santa to make a surprise, personal appearance at her home this month, read her “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and present her with a gift that only Jolly Old St. Nick can give. I can see the elated expression on her sweet face now.
I’m sure she would enjoy a visit from my family in the coming weeks, as well, and I know my daughter would love to read her a sweet story and share a plate of goodies.
I’m sure we all have someone on our mind who is needing a little extra boost, especially this time of year.
What’s your wish? Do you have a special desire in mind for a very special person, as I do? You can submit it by visiting the #WishesDelivered site or by posting it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #WishesDelivered, where it will automatically be submitted to raise money for charity. Feel free to shout it out on all your social media channels so your friends can join in too!
For every wish submitted with the hashtag #WishesDelivered, UPS will donate $1 to one of their charity partners (Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, or Toys for Tots) up to $100K!
I’d love for you to share a link to your wish in the comments section below so I can read all about it!
You’ve got to see how this sweet little boy’s wish was fulfilled by UPS. His expressions of sheer delight were enough to bring tears to my eyes. This video perfectly embodies the magic and joy of the season.
This truly is the most wonderful time of the year. That distinctive joyful aura that fills the air this season comes from an abundance of giving, serving, and loving. I hope you’ll get caught up in the magic and make memories to last a lifetime!
