Brady was asking to serve a meal on Christmas Eve somewhere or feed the homeless...but we couldn't find anywhere for him to do that. So, we came up with the idea of handing out goodie bags. We filled bags with cookies, candy, crackers, etc. We spent about 2 hrs. driving around...and when we saw someone that needed some Christmas spirit, Brady would jump out of the van and say "Merry Christmas!" and give them a bag. After handing out the first few bags he said to us, "this feels pretty good!" I must admit that beforehand, Eric and I were less than thrilled to be doing this. I mean, Christmas Eve is our time. How selfish is that of us? But, because Brady was so persistant, we gave in. And, we are so glad we did! It was amazing to see the faces of kids and grown ups light up because of a simple act of kindness. Brady passed out all the bags himself. I only got out of the van once to go into a restaurant with him where we saw two kids sitting. Eric and I talked later and we both felt that we were lead to just the right people...people that could use a small blessing late that afternoon.
I have a feeling Brady will want to do this again next year.
These are a few of Brady's favorite gifts....
We had a great Christmas. Brady told his cousins that he's glad he's an "only" child because you get more stuff for Christmas. I was embarrassed he said that.
I'm always a little down after Christmas...I guess because of all the excitement and anticipation...and then it's all over in one day. I do however need to find some motivation to get our cluttered house back in order! Eric has been sick since Christmas afternoon...poor guy has been in the bathroom for three days now! We were hoping to do a couple of fun things this week while he and Brady are home....so, he needs to hurry up and get better!
I hope you're having a good week...and enjoying a little down time.
We certainly can use it after the holidays!
17 comments:
Brady is an absolute sweetheart - he gets it from his Mama I think :)
Love these pics and the Red Rider!! Wow!! :)
What a wonderful kid. I love that you passed out bags on Christmas Eve. That is really what Christmas is about, isn't it.
I'm glad he gets more presents...I would totally do that if I could.
I totally understand the after Christmas blues. I love this time of year. Hubs and I have been putting our heads together, though, and I think we have come up with a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year. Will blog about it later.
What a great thing to do on Christmas Eve!!! It always feels good to do something nice for someone else. I think that this is something we would like to do as well. I read about someone else doing what they called Blessing Bags, and filling one gallon sized bags with things like wet wipes, tooth brush, paste, personal sundries, mittens, etc, and handing them out to homeless folks. I thought that was great too. Looks like Brady got some cool gifts. And it was a perfectly normal thing for him to say based on his age!!! Don't fret Mama....I think you have been raising a fine young man there!!!
Happy New Year. Hope hubby is better soon!
wow, that brady keeps getting better and better in my eyes ... what a wonderful spirit he has to do that on x'mas eve!! love his federer cap, btw, i have a soft spot for roger ;-)
You are right, those PJs were perfect!!!
I love your Christmas Eve R.A.O.K.-- I hope that my boys have 1/2 the heart of Brady one day... he is a great kid!
I love Brady's heart. I think that is awesome about the random acts of kindness. LOVE hearing about this! Makes me smile. You guys are awesome! I'm glad it was such a good Christmas for all of you. Boyd will be getting guns in the near future, I am sure. Kevin already has a few saved up for him. :)
Holy moly, where did he come from and can I have one of those boys? Brady is so sweet, I mean, seriously, and brave too! Going up to strangers... brave, definitely. I think that was the nicest thing. Even regular people need some cheer, not just those who are obviously down and out. I am hoping to do some sort of service project next year with my kids. I think they are wanting to do something for animals (maybe the zoo or a shelter) but we'll see. It is something I really want to do too. Love all those pictures, you look so cute. I get down too after the holidays, I always feel like I missed it, like it went so fast and then it's over. I have never seen the cheese touch game, that would be a favorite here for sure! I just got your card today, I love it, thanks for sending it. Brady is so handsome. Hope your hubby feels better soon so you guys can ring in the new year happy and healthy.
Hope Eric is feeling better. . .not a fun time of the year to be sick.
Since he wanted to help others first and then made the present comment, I think you have a wonderfully normal son who loves to get presents!
Hope you have a fun, slow relaxing week!
That is just a wonderful idea about passing out the gift bags :) Our house was also blessed with the stomach bug Christmas night. UGH!
Brady certainly has a special spirit of goodness about him! Amazing child in many ways!
The Red Rider is so cool!! Did you watch that movie this year? It always makes me laugh.
So I hope he doesn't "Shoot his eye out!" Ha Ha!
I understand the blues- I get them too when I take stuff down and when everyone goes home.
He may have made the comment about the gifts, but he has a good heart and a Christmas spirit that's in the right place to suggest doing something for others. Next year you should check with your food pantry or Salvation Army for a place to help serve food. But I must admit that the idea of choosing people at random was really inspired! Plus taking the time to fill the bags..good job! Your son is a real cutie and I think he's also very tall for his age! Have a great week and a Happy New Year!
Brady has the sweetest heart, and it looks like he had an awesome Christmas!!
I love it that he wanted to do that! Last year we fixed lots of goodies to take to the firemen that had to work on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. They were so excited when we showed up with a big pile of yummy treats. My children LOVED doing that! Of course, the also loved that the firemen let them have full access to the trucks! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
What an awesome thing to do!!! What a great kid!
I love that bag. It's bigger than he is!!
Such a great idea Brady! Happy to hear that you guys had a wonderful Christmas. The Christmas Letdown is what I call it and it sneaks in on me some years worse than others. Here's to a great 2012 to you guys!
Handing out goodie bags was such a thoughtful thing to do. Even better that it was Brady's idea.
Happy New Year Kerri
How totally wondrful of Brady. What a great idea. And you are right, I bet you were lead to exactly the right people that day.
Christmas let down is tough. Such a build up and then it's all over for another year and all we can think of is cleaning up and organizing it all!!:) haha. I hear ya!
have a happy day kerri
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