It’s December…and you know what that means – it’s time to spread some serious cheer and kindness! As we get wrapped up in the holiday spirit, let’s not forget what really lights up this season: being kind to each other. Whether it’s a simple smile, a helping hand, or just taking a moment to listen, every act of kindness is like a sparkly holiday light, making our community brighter and cozier. In this issue, we’re diving into fun and heartwarming ways to keep the kindness flowing. So, grab your favorite holiday snack, get comfy, and read about a couple ideas that really struck me recently.
Scrolling through social media, I found two impactful thoughts that I feel compelled to share in our Symplicity newsletter:
- An article that describes “The Truth about Santa.”
- A suggestion that one parent uses to involve her kids in the act of giving.
First, I found this great article on LinkedIn that I thought was a great way to explain the truth about Santa. (Credit to Sharon Hulce via LinkedIn…)
ATTENTION TO ALL PARENTS WHO NEED TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT SANTA 🎅
Son: “Dad, I think I’m old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?.”
Dad: “Ok, I agree that you’re old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it. Once you know the truth about Santa Claus, you will never again understand and relate to him as you do now. So, my question is: Are you sure you want to know?”
Brief pause…
Son: “Yes, I want to know”
Dad: “Ok, I’ll tell you: Yes, there is a Santa Claus”
Son: “Really?”
Dad: Yes, really, but he’s not an old man with a beard in a red suit. That’s just what we tell kids. You see, kids are too young to understand the true nature of Santa Claus, so we explain it to them in a way that they can understand. The truth about Santa Claus is that he’s not a person at all; he’s an idea.
Think of all those presents Santa gave you over the years. I actually bought those myself. I watched you open them. And did it bother me that you didn’t thank me? Of course not! In fact it gave me great pleasure.
You see, Santa Claus is THE IDEA OF GIVING FOR THE SAKE OF GIVING, without thought of thanks or acknowledgement.
When I saw that woman collapse on the subway last week and called for help, I knew that she’d never know that it was me that summoned the ambulance. I was being Santa Claus when I did that.”
Son: “Oh.”
Dad: “So now that you know, you’re part of it. You have to be Santa Claus too now. That means you can never tell a young kid the secret, and you have to help us select Santa presents for them, and most important, you have to look for opportunities to help people. Got it?”
Help each other this Christmas🎄🎅 and…be kind ❤💕
Second – one parent gives a large trash bag to each of her children to pick out good use toys from their room for Santa to “pick-up” on Christmas Eve and take back to the north pole to fix up and recycle to children. It’s a good way to teach children sharing and caring, but it also is a great way to get rid of some of the toys, before any new ones are received. I love how the children handpicked toys that they could then imagine another child receiving. It was clear that the mother took the bags to an organization such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, but how wonderful to start teaching children to think of others at young ages.
In the spirit of this holiday season, I encourage you to think about what you can do to help others and spread kindness. Not everyone has abundance of Christmas gifts, meals and cheer, but maybe if in reading this article, that you can find your own special way to spread the true meaning of Christmas! Wishing you many blessings and health for 2024!
Happy Holidays!
Warmly,
Catherine
Catherine Behrenbrinker
CEO & President
[email protected] | 616.588.8501
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