Traditions

As Jordan and I were growing up, my family incorporated many family traditions into our Holiday celebrations. My dad didn't let anyone put any presents under the tree until Christmas Eve night so that when we woke up Christmas morning we were really surprised. My parents put as much thought and care into our stockings as our regular presents. My dad always read the Christmas story from the book of Luke on Christmas morning before we opened gifts. Mom made a big, delicious Christmas brunch. We always did a gift exchange with our extended families. All of these were great Christmas traditions and memories, but they are not the ones that stand out to me the most. My favorite Christmas tradition was purchasing Christmas gifts for someone who otherwise wouldn't have any, or just giving to any kind of charity during the Christmas season. This tradition helped my brother and I, and  probably my parents, too, focus on what was really important during the Holidays and get our attitudes right. This is a tradition I hope to continue and pass on to my children someday.

I would highly encourage you to begin a similar tradition for yourself or with your family. There are all kinds of organizations that help families during the Christmas season and many have a great track record and high integrity within their ministries. Find a way to get involved in some kind of charity and giving back. If you need a great suggestion, I have one for you! I work for a wonderful organization called Pregnancy Decision Health Centers. We have six different centers located around the central Ohio area and we serve young women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy and need help. We offer free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, STD testing, maternity clothes, and baby items, as well as connections to other helpful resources. This year we have a great new way for you to get involved in our ministry. It's called Blue Friday. That's right- Blue, not Black, Friday.

Blue Friday is our attempt to raise awareness of our needs and remind you to pick up something for our family as you shop for yours. It's so easy, all you have to do is go to shopbluefriday.org and choose your donation amount (ranging from $10-$500), or the items you would like to purchase, and fill out your information. That's it! And you will have helped young mothers feel like they have the resources they need to choose life for themselves and their babies!

The Holidays are the perfect time to give to those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and there isn't a better cause to give to. Consider making this your own Christmas tradition, and allow PDHC to be the first benefactors of your generosity.

"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of one of these my brothers, you did it to me." Matthew 25:40 

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