Day 1

[Elizabeth]

First day of the 29 day giving challenge. It seems appropriate that it is Christmas Day. Although I don't celebrate Christmas myself as a religious holiday, it is a time of giving and receiving. My day started off with an opportunity to give of small gift. My mother-in-law needed to pick up rolls for Christmas dinner, a task she was not excited about as she was worried about traffic and long lines. I volunteered to pick them up and used the opportunity to also pick up breakfast for the family. As the bakery was not far, I opted to walk. It was such a gift for myself to be out walking in the quiet cool morning air imaging the happy Christmas gatherings happening in each home I passed. Later in the day, we gathered at my sister-in-law's home for Christmas dinner. For each family member I made individualized photo books from my daughter's Bat Mitzvah earlier in the year. It was so fun to watch them go through their book and remember the day. The best gift by far that we received for Christmas was our surprise guest - our nephew who is in the Army was able to come home at the last minute. Many tears (of happiness) and joy. All in all, a great start to 29 Gifts. I am looking forward to the next 28.

[Dawn wwt]

i love to walk by myself, it's like a meditation and exercise all rolled in to one. what a wonderful gift to be able to see your nephew! the photo books were a really special present for everyone. Hugs, Dawn

[Pauline Nolan]

A great start to your giving round, and wonderful that your nephew arrived unexpectedly - that is truly a blessing.