I am the epitome of your last-minute shopper. My husband Bryon and I usually know what we’re getting the kids weeks in advance. But between going to school Christmas programs, decorating the house, addressing Christmas cards, and finishing up legislative work for the year, the purchases are typically made just in time to get the gifts wrapped. As your parents probably know though, the joy of watching your kids (no matter how old they are) tear open those gifts on Christmas morning makes all the stresses of shopping worth it. It’s perhaps the best reminder we have of the age-old adage: It is better to give than to receive.
For many in America, the joy of giving is shared not only during this season, but throughout the year. In fact, 62.6 million Americans spent time volunteering in 2013, according to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Services that was released last week. When you add it all up, we spent 7.7 billion hours serving others that year and what a powerful message that sends.
Of course, only a small portion of our sense of giving can even be quantified by the hours we spend volunteering. I am still struck by the viral video of a woman purchasing diapers for the young mother ahead of her in line at Wal-Mart. Or the young girl who donated her own toys to kids who lost all they knew in a devastating tornado. Or the nine-year-old girl who heard that Rainbow Bible Camp in my home state of South Dakota had lost 90 horses after a disastrous blizzard and sent the camp $28.39 – mostly in coins – to help them recover. She said in her letter to them, “I thought you might need this. I’ll try to get more. Every bit counts.”
These actions by individuals are only enhanced by the generosity of the many, many organizations across our country dedicated to serving their communities. Together, our commitment to compassion and servitude shows victims of abuse, those suffering from illnesses, individuals living in poverty, and many others that there is a community surrounding them that wants them to succeed – that wants them to find joy. And what a truly special gift that is!
It is my hope that the joy of holiday giving lifts your family and community up and inspires a nation to share in that joy throughout the year. From my family to yours, merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year.
