So this is Christmas...

Adia,

As your first Christmas approaches, I am reminded of many things wrong in the world. As John Lennon's song, "So this is Christmas", points out- What have WE done? 

Your daddy and I have been anticipating what your response will be when you see your new toys on Christmas morning! (Even though, this Christmas you might not exactly be too aware of the excitement over the gifts..It's more for us to remember and to take pictures!)  As I've been scurrying around to find the perfect toys for you, I realized how many parents will not have the money to buy their babies anything for Christmas. It breaks my heart to know that a new mother, just like myself, is anticipating their Baby's First Christmas and has no means to buy just one gift.

Even though Christmas isn't about gifts and shouldn't be about gifts, gifts are expected when you're a child. Unless you are a child in a family who barely gets by just providing the basic necessities. This Christmas is the hardest Christmas Americans have had in years, with so many people unemployed. Many parents are facing their first Christmas without the money to give their children just ONE gift. Some parents will get fast cash loans to buy Christmas for their children, which will only put them in even greater debt. This is where we can help.

Families depend on charities like The Salvation Army and local food banks. But this year, even these organizations are begging for donations. So, in honor of you, Adia, I am donating toys, clothes and food to charities who will be giving people a Christmas that without our help, would not be having a Christmas at all. Because, if it were your daddy and I who needed help giving you a Christmas, I would hope my country would be a little selfless and give.

Adia, never forget how fortunate you are to be living a life where you don't have to worry where your next meal will come from and never forget about the ones less fortunate.

Live simply. Live modestly. Most importantly, have a giving spirit.