It’s the holiday season and for so many people, that can mean so many different things. For my family, we celebrate Christmas, with a big emphasis on Jesus Christ and his miraculous birth. Something that I have noticed to be a pretty common theme for everyone during this time, no matter what they celebrate, is the act of giving.

Gifts are always so much fun. Children write lists to Santa Claus, families spend hours pacing store aisles, but the incredible moment of seeing someone open the gift you’ve got them is always the icing on the cake! This year, my friend and I teamed up with our church, and our Harvey community, to hand out gifts at our annual toy drive. It was absolutely amazing witnessing the children’s faces light up, receiving gifts for Christmas that were not promised.

This year, however, I received a major gift as well. I published my first children’s book this year, and was able to pass out copies as gifts to the children. As many of you know, my book teaches children to be proud of who they are, and inspires them to live a life of kindness. I knew that I would pass out some of my books for the drive, but the looks on the children’s faces were a true gift to me! Knowing that my words would be passed along to children and possibly teach them such a valuable lesson made my heart full!

We all celebrate this time differently! Whether you are baking cookies with grandma, or enjoying special family traditions, I encourage you all to be proud of who you are and where you come from. Rest assured, the gift of giving uplifts everyone!