Christmas Giving = Stress Relief

As I was growing up my parents often gave anonymous gifts to those less fortunate than we were. I always found this to be very noble, and it made me feel good to be part of a family of givers. But when I grew up, got a job, and moved out on my own, I found that I barely made enough to meet my own needs, let alone help others. As the years past I made more and more money, but there was just never anything left over to give to the poor, especially at Christmas time. What with all the presents to buy for family and friends, it was all I could do to keep from going in debt each year, or so I told myself. Sure, I would put a little in the collection plate at church, and if the Salvation Army volunteer managed to make eye contact I would reluctantly throw some spare change his way, but that was about the extent of my charitable giving.

After I got married and had kids it seemed we were even more strapped at Christmas time. Although we both worked, and donated to a few charities throughout the year, when Christmas rolled around there was never anything to spare. We always enjoyed Christmas, but being short on money was stressful and something seemed to be missing.

Then one Christmas we had the opportunity to help a friend that had some money stolen from him, and was left with nothing to buy gifts for his family. My wife and I discussed the predicament with our children and decided to put it to a vote. It was unanimous that we could do without a few presents if it allowed another family to receive a few presents. I am a proud husband and father, but I was never more proud of my family than I was that day. The strange thing was, that although we gave the other family nearly ½ the money we had planned to spend on ourselves that year, we seemed to have plenty and it was actually less stressful than Christmas’ past. In fact, we all felt so good about it that we decided to make it a Deines family tradition; one I hope will be passed on from generation to generation.

I don’t advocate going in debt to give to charities, so please don’t feel guilty if you cannot afford to help out at this time. However, in a time when many people don’t bat an eye at paying $5 for a cup of coffee and a donut every morning, it is hard to imagine that most of us can’t find it in our hearts to spare a few bucks for someone in need at Christmas time. So if you can, please help out someone that is less fortunate than you this Christmas. It may just make this the best and least stressful Christmas you have ever had!

It is in this spirit that Delta Kits is offering you an opportunity, not only to save money, but to help someone in need at the same time. Please click on our Christmas Specials link for details. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

-Brent Deines