Guest Post by Rachael Seda
It wasn’t until my grandfather passed away earlier this year that his younger sister told me the story of their first Christmas.
Their first Christmas
I did know that my grandfather only made it to the 6th grade before he had to start working to help support his family. He adored his little sister Jeanette, and because their family was very poor they had never experienced a Christmas dinner, a Christmas tree, Santa Claus or even opening a present during the holidays.
Aunt Jeanette told me that at the ripe age of 12, my grandfather saved as much money as he could from his first job and bought a small Christmas tree and little gifts, such as a piece of candy, and wrapped a gift for each of his siblings.
Watching her eyes light up as she told that story brought tears to my eyes.
The apple doesn’t fall from the tree either.
We didn’t have very much money when I was younger but I didn’t really notice, because we had a happy childhood. Now that I’m older I can only imagine the stress my parents felt around the holidays. Just praying and hoping they would come up with some money to put presents under the tree. We were never disappointed on Christmas morning, though. I’d run out of my room in shear excitement, always to find presents under the tree.
It wasn’t until I was older that my mom told me how one year, my dad sold his motorcycle (the only form of transportation he had) because if he didn’t, there wouldn’t be any presents under the tree. My mom also told me about the many generous people in our life who came up with presents from “Santa” for us. It’s really touching that they were able to give my parents the gift of giving to their children.
Paying it forward
My parents have always paid that same deed forward and have taught us to do the same. I myself have found that the gift of giving is much more powerful. I always enjoy buying gifts for the little girls I mentored in college through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
There’s no better gift than seeing a child’s face light up, especially a child who is truly in need.
As I look at all I have, especially this holiday, there’s nothing I really need. I think of the children that will wake up to nothing and that hurts my heart, because there’s this magic of childhood they’ll never get back. I also know that many people on my Christmas list truly have everything they need, which makes it hard to find the perfect gift.
This is why I can’t think of a better gift than Razoo’s Giving Card.
Like a gift card, the Razoo Giving Card allows you to give the gift of giving to someone this holiday season. The recipient can choose from a broad range of causes, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of what they are passionate about.
I just can’t think of a better gift than giving someone the gift of giving. Sharing the spirit of generosity by giving someone the opportunity to help someone or something they care about is one of the best feelings, in my opinion.
This holiday I myself was given a $50 Razoo Giving Card. I immediately knew I wanted to give it to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Inc. Mentoring two little girls and having the opportunity to be apart of their lives is one of the best things I have ever done. I enjoyed every moment I was able to spend with them and I know the being apart of their lives wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the dedicated and wonderful staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Inc.
So if you’re still thinking of the gift to give that person who has it all this holiday season I encourage you to consider giving the gift of giving with a Razoo Giving Card.
And now I’d like to pay it forward and do the same. I would like to give a $50 Razoo Giving Card to one of you! To enter please just leave a comment to tell me what cause you would like to donate to and why. I will give a $50 Razoo Giving card to one lucky commenter by December 19 at 12pm ET.
Happy holidays!
Image: asenat29 via Flickr, CC 2.0
Rachael Seda grew up barefoot in Hawaii. Determined to find a career that put her creativity and social skills to good use, she double majored in communication and media arts and design at James Madison University and set out to do just that… and is now an Account Executive at CRT/tanaka. She shares her career experiences and journey at rachaelseda.com. Her ultimate weakness is cheese.
I love Women for Women International, a program that trains women all over the world to support themselves and their families. They provide a 6 month training program to the women who sign up. Many of the women I’ve sponsored have gone on to own their own animals (goats, cows) as well as farms where they crow crops to support their families. Always makes me smile to get a letter and a picture from my sponsee, telling me about how her family has changed now that she can support herself and them. I’d go with any company that promotes education and independence, especially for women. :)
Rae— I’m passing this along to my momma so she can see just what kind of friend I have in you!!! Although she adores you already, I want her to see this b/c it’s reassuring to know that they are awesome people out there during the holidays like you.
Keep up your love for life and helping others, sister. Love you and miss you as my roomie….it’s just not the same without you…..
I’m going to give a RAZOO giving card to Teen Pregnacny Prevention Program in Hburg regardless of if you chose me or not!!!!! …..thought they’d like to hear from me since it’s been YEARS since my internship! They do great work and during the holidays, they give back to the community just like you!
xoxo you
@Emily Callison Em you’re so cute! Thank you for sharing!! You’re an awesome friend too. We need to go visit the TPP ladies!
Very sweet story. I agree that it is important to give back. I talk with my kids about it quite frequently.
Joshua Wilner/A Writer Writes Thanks Joshua! What cause would you put a Razoo Giving card to if you were given one?
That’s a wonderful, sweet story, thanks for sharing it!
I’m a big fan of Meals on Wheels. But how can you choose just one charity, in times like these?
barrettrossie Thank you! That’s a great charity! I know it is really hard but hey that’s why it’s great that we each have something different we’re passionate about!
barrettrossie So I couldn’t pick everyone was so great, so I put names in a hat and I picked yours so Meals on Wheels it is! DM me your email Barrett and I will send you the Razoo Giving code!
PS…Your story is VERY touching. I had big ol crocodile tears reading it. #payitforward <3
chelzwells Thanks Chelz!! I appreciate your comment!
Childrens Hospital of the King’s Daughters
A little background – CHKD is Virginia’s only free-standing, full-service pediatric hospital, treating children from birth through age 21, and site of the state’s only dedicated pediatric emergency center. CHKD’s specialties and services include but are not limited to: Approximately 50 subspecialty clinics for children with conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, and cancer, Pediatric Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Transport Team, Transitional Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, Cardiac Surgery Program, Child Abuse Program, Sports Medicine Program, and extensive Community Outreach Program and Medical Education Offers. THEY DON’T TURN ANY PATIENTS AWAY, REGARDLESS OF THE FAMILY’S ABILITY TO PAY!!
Seeing how much it costs to care for these children and seeing the brave looks on their faces when you walk-through – it is something that I will never forget.
I mentored with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lancaster County as an undergraduate, so I totally get it. :)
jasonkonopinski Woo hoo! I never knew that Jason. So if you won the $50 Razoo giving card would you give it to them?!