The holidays have always held a special place in my heart—a season rich with joy, gratitude, and the spirit of giving. It’s a time when communities come together, hearts open wider, and the air feels charged with kindness. For me, the holidays are about more than just the sparkle of lights or the scent of cinnamon in the air; they’re about the connections we make and the love we share with those around us, even strangers.
Years ago, when I was part of a team at Boeing, I had the privilege of leading a program called Spirit of the Holidays. The idea was simple but profoundly impactful: we would adopt families or seniors in need, gather gifts, and deliver them in time for Christmas. I’ll never forget the honor of delivering those presents. The joy on their faces and the overwhelming gratitude in their eyes—it was humbling and transformative. Those moments taught me that the spirit of the holidays isn’t just about giving; it’s about being present for others, sharing their burdens, and filling their hearts with hope.
This year, I had the opportunity to rekindle that spirit once again. My family and I signed up to bring holiday cheer to a family of five—a mother and her four children. The thought of bringing joy to this family filled me with purpose, and as the date for Christmas approached, I set aside a budget to make it happen. When I shared the plan with my husband, he didn’t hesitate for a moment. “We’re all in,” he said. “Let’s make sure they get everything they need—and more.”
With that, the planning began. Over the next few days, I gathered my children and we set out on a mission. We visited local stores, each of us scanning the aisles for the perfect gifts to fulfill the family’s wish list. It wasn’t just shopping; it was an act of love, a lesson in empathy, and an exercise in gratitude. Along the way, my son, curious as ever, asked me about Santa. I paused for a moment, thinking about how to explain the magic of the season. Then, I told him, “This year, we get to be Santa. We get to bring joy and blessings to a family who’s counting on us. That’s what makes this so special.”
He nodded thoughtfully, his young mind processing the idea that the magic of Santa wasn’t in a red suit or a sleigh—it was in the hearts of people who care. Of course, kids being kids, the conversation didn’t stop there. A few days later, my children shared their newfound perspective with the neighbor kids, revealing that Santa wasn’t real and that Mom and Dad were the ones wrapping the gifts. While their honesty may have startled some, I like to think there’s a silver lining in it all. They’re learning that the true magic of the holidays comes not from the myth, but from the meaning behind it.
This experience has reminded me that the spirit of the holidays isn’t confined to our homes or families. It’s about reaching beyond our immediate circles, extending kindness to those we may never meet again, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten during this special time of year. It’s about teaching our children that the greatest gifts we can give are compassion, generosity, and love.
As we approach the holidays, I encourage you to consider how you can share your blessings with others. Whether it’s adopting a family in need, donating to a local social purpose non profit (New Horizon Communities is my choice!), or simply offering a kind word to someone who’s struggling, every act of kindness makes a difference. The spirit of the holidays isn’t about how much we spend or how many gifts we give; it’s about the hearts we touch and the lives we uplift.
So this coming year, let’s all find a way to be Santa—to embody the joy, magic, and generosity that make this season and every day so special. Let’s teach our children that giving is the greatest gift of all and that the true spirit of happiness lies in sharing our blessings with those who need it most. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that carries far beyond December, spreading hope and love wherever it’s needed.
Wishing you all a season filled with joy, gratitude, and the true spirit of giving.
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