While I wrote this article a couple years ago and updated last December, this is a treasured tradition we have continued in our family. Whenever I have shared about The Sparkle Box, I’m asked where to get the book. It’s that time of year again, so here’s our story once again in hopes that more of you will be inspired.
~~Lynn, November 2015
As I write this the calendar has turned to November. It’s that time when our focus most often turns to a lengthy and near impossible to-do list. We begin seriously thinking holidays are coming quickly — in fact, they’re here! For some that to do list includes a thankful list: naming something each day in November that you are thankful for, and that has become a tradition for you — a very wise one to be sure. How do we turn the abundance of all that we are thankful for into another tradition of blessing those less blessed than ourselves. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive. It is impossible to out give what we receive. Opportunities to give of ourselves — our time, our lives, our blessings — are everywhere.
To become a tradition, there must be a beginning. And so it is with the book and accompanying activity of The Sparkle Box (affiliate link) in our family’s holiday preparations and Christmas celebration. A strong desire to emphasize the true meaning of the season for all of us, led to my 2012 discovery of this treasure. As a young boy and his parents participate in the usual errands of the season, they pause along the way to notice the needs of others. Unknown to the boy, these remembrances are written down and placed in the sparkle box. All he knows is this box is a special gift. He learns that they will open it later, but first they must fill it. When the box is opened on Christmas he discovers all the ways that he and his family have made a difference in the lives of others — a wonderful reminder of the reason we celebrate at all. The book comes complete with its very own sparkle box. All you need to get started. It is available by clicking on the title earlier in this paragraph.
After reading the book with our young granddaughters last Christmas, we all agreed it would be fun for our family to share our blessings this way, too. Between our home and theirs we had accomplished quite a lot. It was an awesome reminder of the importance of keeping our focus on the real reason for our celebrations. I shared about this book with others as we were filling our sparkle box. The idea was such a welcome one, others began adapting versions of the idea to use with youth groups, Sunday School classes, workplaces and more. Please know that I share all this simply as an example of the privilege and responsibility we have to others. We choose for God alone to receive the glory — a testimony to all that He is and does in our lives all the time! To that end we encourage you to do this in your own special way. For starters these are close to home opportunities that may pull at your heart strings:
Do you know a family that is struggling because of lost employment or other reversal of circumstances? Perhaps you, your family, or your workplace would share your resources to make their holiday special.
Who do you know that may for any number of reasons be alone for the holidays this year? Consider inviting them to share the day with your family.
Visiting a nursing home. Taking small gifts for the residents (be sure to call to see what is appropriate as some residents are on very restricted diets), singing Christmas carols, doing a craft together, or playing board games may go along way to brighten the holidays for these often forgotten folks. Our granddaughters do this regularly with their mom and dad, and they really enjoy the relationships they have built.
What others come to your mind? Please share them with us on our Facebook page.
Of course, knowing most people are more altruistic this time of year, many non-profit groups are soliciting your support. There are many choices, and many ways to give. Money is always welcome in these organizations (and in some cases the best option). Some of us desire a hands on approach. We’re looking for ways to be involved.
Below are a few ideas of the many organizations that welcome help during the holidays (and all through the year.) And as you’ll discover in The Sparkle Box story — many moments occur with individuals and are quite spontaneous. Be encouraged to be watchful for these opportunities, and seize them. I’m amazed (and often a bit ashamed of myself) how my grandchildren will notice and respond when I haven’t even observed the need.
Salvation Army has their Angel Trees set up in malls and other locations around town. Adopt an angel (children and senior adults), and provide their Christmas. More info here. Don’t forget your extra change to their Red Kettle campaign.
Prison Fellowship Ministries also has an angel tree. This one allows you to provide Christmas for a prisoner’s child(ren) as though it comes from the parent him/herself. You can click here to learn more about donations or signing your group up to participate. You’ll have the opportunity to personally deliver these gifts to the child or caregiver if you choose.
Did you know Target House, residence for critically ill children receiving treatment at St. Jude and their families, has a year round wish list of items. (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is near and dear to many Memphis residents.) Santa visits all the children living there every year, making the list much longer during the holiday season. You may contact them to learn what’s on this list. Here’s their link. Target House also welcomes volunteers to help with events and to host events.
The Memphis Food Bank has several locations in the area. They are always willing and much appreciate donations to be able to serve more people. Here is a list of the Food Bank locations in the Memphis area with contact information. Many of them may welcome your time, your hands and your feet to help distribute the food as well.
Compassion International is an opportunity to sponsor a child(ren) in impoverished areas of our world. Each child in the program is remembered at Christmas. You might like to sponsor a child, or contribute to the Christmas fund for these very special children. When you sponsor a child you not only provide for their year round needs, you build a relationship with them through your letters and theirs making quite an impact and difference in their lives! This is a perfect opportunity to involve children in the letter writing and praying for your chosen sponsored child(ren).
Here are some links to share a little holiday spirit with service men and women that serve us:
Operation Christmas Cards
American Red Cross: Holiday Mail for Heroes
Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child delivers Christmas boxes all over the world to children who would have no Christmas. You and your family might enjoy packing one or more shoe boxes full of fun surprises. Click the link to learn about what to include and where to drop your filled boxes. There are several locations around Memphis.
Memphis Union Mission (men) and and Moriah House (women) serve those who are in crisis for many reasons and are in process of rebuilding their lives. These organizations receive donations of clothing, toiletries etc. on a regular basis. Click the links to learn more specifics. There are also opportunities to serve hands on in both these locations — year round. To help to serve the holiday meals, I believe you would contact the Union Mission to sign up.
This is, to be sure, a very abbreviated list. I know you will think of many more. My prayer is that you find some inspiration in these ideas, and discover opportunities to share your blessings in meaningful ways! I’m eager to hear some of your stories and to see what special moments will be remembered when we open our Sparkle Boxes — those memories of very special moments in our holiday preparations and celebrations.
The Sparkle Box book is available here.
