We've begun involving our kids in deciding where to make year-end gifts, as we're able to do so. It's humbling and brings a lot of joy to see the world through their eyes and the ways they lead the conversation about how we might give towards helping others. Dr. Scott Manor, President, Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary One tradition that our family added that brings unexpected joy is having everyone in the family shop for a new Christmas ornament for our tree every year. The joy comes as we decorate, we get to look back and remember why each of us picked out that ornament and what it means to us. Many remind us of a vacation, movie or something special that was happening at that time. The most important ones that I usually pick out are the ones that reflect the real reason for the season, the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ! Steve Daigle, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland At Christmas time, giving to charities and ministries was always a tradition. But about six years ago, my wife and I really started participating more actively. Our church, Calvary Chapel Miami, has a very big program with Samaritan’s Purse and the shoeboxes for kids filing over a thousand shoe boxes. The Samaritan’s program provides us such a pleasure to go out get the shoeboxes from Hobby Lobby and fill six shoeboxes - three boys and three girls various ages. Doing it together is such a blessing for us and hopefully a blessing for the kids. Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida Christmas is my favorite time of the year. After Thanksgiving, we started a tradition many years ago. We keep a jar where we place words of love, kindness and encouragement every day until Christmas morning. On Christmas, we open the jar and read the notes; 30 days of reminders of why we’re grateful for one another. We also grab some hot cocoa, a blanket, and watch “It’s A Wonderful Life!” Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Country Right to Life “Papa’s Pancakes” on Christmas morning. My grandkids love my pancakes. They’re actually a special recipe that was passed down from my wife Linda’s father. And I will pass on to my grandson. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a lasting impact. Thomas L. Lukasik, Chief Advocacy Officer, 4KIDS Wants to Know… Scott Manor Steve Daigle Steve Solomon Tewannah Aman Thomas L. Lukasik Laura C. Bishop Mary Drabik Mike McDermott Oksana Horton Patricia Colangelo Coach Rick Andreassen
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