Giving Back – Decorate it Forward
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It’s December…the holiday lights are being brought out, families are gathering around putting up the Christmas tree and ornaments from years past. But not everyone can afford a Christmas tree. In fact some children have never even had a Christmas tree in their house during their little life times. To me, I can’t even imagine it. To others, it’s the way they wisely save their money in times where they can’t afford to do otherwise.
I was selected to participate in a fantastic opportunity to not only decorate the outside of our house to look more festive, but also to “decorate it forward” to a family who needs it. And I knew just the family!
Meet the “D” kids (names have been changed for obvious reasons!) These cuties feel the effects of our economy, as many kids do – even if they don’t completely understand it. When I applied for this opportunity I had this family in mind. Kmart sent me a large box of absolutely gorgeous Christmas ornaments and decor from their Homespun Holiday line. But when I approached the family to offer the decorations to, it didn’t even cross my mind that they might not actually have a Christmas tree! So, our family set out to purchase a Christmas tree for them. Six beautiful kids needed a Christmas tree. The only thing is that we have never actually bought a real tree – we have an artificial tree. So it was REALLY fun for our family to walk through the trees and choose one to purchase!
It was a priceless lesson for my kids to learn. Not once did they complain about not having our own real tree or wanting to keep the decor – they were absolutely thrilled to be able to help other children have a nice Christmas too.
The box that we were sent contained a Christmas skirt, beautiful decorative bows……
a fun handmade-looking garland……
….boxes and boxes of beautiful ornaments….
I wish I had snapped a picture or taken a video when we showed up at the front door. The parents had not told the kids about the special surprise so when they opened the door there we were with a huge Christmas tree! That moment is exactly what Christmas is about – helping others. I felt like a big fat Santa Claus – I was SO happy to be able to help someone else out! The kids were SO excited!
The kids just kept thanking us throughout our trip there. For our family I was thrilled not only to be able to help another family out but to teach our kids about giving and sharing with others who need it. My children were so happy to bring the ornaments and tree to other kids and help out another family. Watching the joy on my kids faces throughout this event was really precious.
I am SO thrilled to have taken part in this opportunity. Look at those gorgeous ornaments!! 
The family was so kind to later send me a photo of the tree that they let the kids decorate! 
So if you know of someone who could use some holiday cheer, consider blessing a family with something extra …. no matter how big or small it is.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post as part of a social shoppers insight study with Collective Bias. #CBias #KmartHoliday All opinions are 100% my own.
Such a wonderful thing your family did!!
I can only imagine the joy your family brought to them!! What a great life lesson to teach your kids and paying it forward is something we should all try to do daily!
What an amazing experience for your family!
How do you apply? can you post a link of the info on your facebook wall?
I seriously have been hormonal and crying at the drop of a hat, but gosh….tears, again! I love what you and Kmart did for this family!
Aww this is absolutely amazing and exactly what Christmas is all about! I bet you feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to help out that family! They look so happy, standing next to their new tree! 🙂
This is just such an amazing thing you did for that family! I wish I could find out who I know that needs something like this and do it for them!
And all on a teacher's salary. Just reaffirms my belief that teachers give the most and make the least. Thank you for putting lots of spirit into my holiday!
Love this! And love you got the kids involved! So special!
This…. THIS just gave me goosebumps. You went so ABOVE AND BEYOND on all counts – what an amazing experience for you, your kids, and the family you chose to "Decorate It Forward" for. I love it.
You made me cry! Look at those happy faces! What a beautiful thing.
A lovely tree and a caring gesture! Thank you for sharing your spirit!