Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, especially as a child. The lights, the music, and the excitement of waiting for Santa to come... shoot as an adult I'm still waiting for Santa to come :o lol

But it was just pure fun, and the anxiety of not knowing what was in the teaser gifts (no name tags) mom put under the tree before Christmas Eve... it killed me and my sister.

Can't forget either all the cookies that was made for Santa, he used to get more than we did! LOL

One time when my guys were little, I took dads' boot and put it in the ashes of the fireplace and made steps coming out of the fireplace leaving ash prints on the carpet... Oh it was beautiful, they were so excited to see his feet ;)

So many things to enjoy, but yet there is so much sadness also. Just think about the children all over the world that have been put into our system for neglect, several different forms of abuse or abandonment.

I would love to make sure all of them had a wonderful Christmas but there are too many in the system, and unless I hit the lottery all I could think to do was start taking up donations to try and allow even if only a few of them to smile. I did pretty good and was able to buy in different age groups a lot of things that would stimulate their minds like puzzles, arts and crafts, word games, etc.. all donated to Franklin County Children Services who could still use more.

It felt good to do the little that I did, but it never feels like enough! I’ve always wondered why the big corporations and all the other well to doers do not pitch in, at least around this time of year and help the children, show them there is hope.. Out of sight out of mind? Not their problem? I don’t know but it’s pretty sad, especially when these children are our future.

I know there are companies and others that give, but it’s not enough, truly. There are literally thousands of children in these places. Even if it’s just once a year, let them at least have one of their wishes come true.

Angela,beautifuly written and so true. Growing up I lived in a housing project and my mother never had enough money to buy me gifts so the church would come with boxes of food and gifts so she would be able to put some things for me under the tree. They would also go the extra mile and send "Santa" to personaly give me a"special" present on Christmas eve.I was usually sleeping and he would wake me up with a ho,ho,ho! Some of my favorite memories. Ironicly the food and gifts were always donated from others that didnt have a lot of money of their own. This year we are recieving toys for tots donations for our 2 kids and when these hard times are over I entend to "pay it forward"
We also have the tradition of taking my husband boots spraying the soles with a little water and putting them in a tray of baby powder and leaving footprints coming from the front door to their rooms and the tree. When my oldest son was 4 (going on 14 lol) he asked why the snow never melted. We told him because it was magic North Pole snow. He is 8 and a half now and still cant wait to see those magic footprints leading to his room. Guess it wont be too much longer till he figures out the truth. *sigh* But luckily we have a 13 month old.
:D Chris

Thanks Chris...I put this topic in advertise in hopes of others willing to help.

Have a Blessed Christmas.