Page 48 - Robeson Living Winter 2021

Tis the Season to Give

By Shea Ann DeJarnette,
Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent

Lumberton, N.C. -- If asked for my favorite holiday, by far it Christmas to be about. To me, there is something about mak-
is Christmas. There is something between Thanksgiving and ing items folks truly look forward to and want. For example,
Christmas that just turns the world into a magical place for me. I have a friend who wants a huge bag of Reindeer Crack snack
Growing up, we would put the tree up the day after Thanksgiv- mix every year, or that person who looks forward to pepper-
ing. Mind you, that did not thrill me. Pulling heavy boxes mint bark, and yes, even my Fire Crackers. Seeing those faces
up from the basement only to empty them and take them all light up with utter enjoyment is what makes my heart happy,
back down again was a royal pain in the rear end. However, so that is why I try to do a little something on my own each
I remember getting tangled in the lights with my cousin and year to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
laughing so hard we fell over and nearly took the tree with us.
I remember arranging ornaments on the tree so the breakable As an office, we have drawn names and bought toys that rep-
ones were not within reach of our personality-filled pooch and resent something about that person, then donated those brand-
did not get in his way when he ran to the window to bark at new toys to a local agency to give out to underprivileged
everything. I remember the years my mother wanted red or children. We have collected everything needed for Christmas
green ribbons on every ornament; each had to be ironed before dinner and delivered it to a family in need. We have collected
being tied, and no two red bows or green bows could be next Christmas (tree and all) and donated it to the local family vio-
to each other (I quickly abandoned this tradition). My favor- lence shelter. We may never see the faces of those we touch,
ite part was sitting back watching the lights twinkle while a I but we know we are making a difference. That spirit of giving
drank a little hot chocolate, thinking how wonderful the entire can be yours, and can be a tradition to hand down. Here are
season was. some little things you can do to make life a little more magical
for others.
My favorite things, however, are the Christmas stories. This
time of year, more than any other, you hear stories of kind- This is a great time to support businesses who support local
ness, graciousness, and giving. That is always what I want my

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