All you need to know about…

giving happiness global impact

Day 82: The Modern Day Santa Claus

Nicolas with a car loaded with toys

Today I get to play Santa Claus.

I wanted to share with you how it feels to bring some joy to another persons life over the holidays. It has to be one of the best feelings in the world to play Santa to a person that truly needs a miracle this holiday season.

Day 82 / Give 82

Just over a week ago I wrote a post regarding a special holiday music class I hosted for a group of my Mommy friends and their children. I had asked everyone to bring something for a single Mother I help not far from where we live. Today is the day I get to play Santa and deliver the car load of goodies I have for her and her kids. The bags include everything from clothes for the Mom, toys and clothes for her 3 kids.

This Mom amazes me as she has not just 1 but 2 autistic boys – ages 5 and 7. I’m not sure how she gets threw most days and the challenges that face her every day are remarkable. As she once said to me “just getting through the minutes is all you can do at times.” It humbles me as I only have one easy 3 year old and I feel at my whits end some days. To top it off she also has an 8 month little girl that needs all the love and attention a baby should be showered with.  She is spread so thin just making meals on any given day is a struggle.

This is where playing the role of Santa is pure joy. Not only will this save her the money she does not have to spend on gifts but the big one – time. Shopping with children is hard enough, but she actually can’t do it it all with her kids and their special needs.

So the next time your kids are driving you a little crazy, or you don’t have enough money to buy that 5th or 6th gift for your child, imagine this Mom. The patience and understanding it must take to get through the each day and the fact she doesn’t have the extra money to buy any gifts for her children should make us all grateful for what we do have.

I didn’t do this on my own, I called in my village of friends and asked them for help. As the saying it goes “it takes a village to raise a child.” If you asked your village that surrounds you to help, what could you do together for someone in need?

Time Commitment: 1 hour

Cost: A few dollars in gas

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)