Someone Cares: The Gift of Kindness

Instead of receiving gifts, she asked her family to spread kindness to those in need.

An illustration of a family holiday dinner; Illustration by Coco Masuda

On Christmas morning, I was surrounded by my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There were presents under the tree. None of them were for me, and I couldn’t have been happier.

I have more than enough, so I’d asked my family not to buy me anything but instead to help someone in need with the money they would have spent on me. Family members told me about some of the wonderful things they’d done. One grandchild had bought new shoes and winter boots for children living in poverty. Another had donated to an organization that helps grieving mothers. Others had purchased gifts for kids who had posted Christmas wish lists on their church’s giving tree.

My heart swelled as I pictured all the people who had a nicer holiday because of these acts of kindness. It was the best Christmas gift I could have received.

Learn more about Someone Cares greeting cards!

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