The true meaning of Christmas – Cornwall pay-it-forward challenge

It truly is the “most wonderful time of the year”.  During the holidays, everyone, whether rich or poor, finds joy in the simple things… Things like being with family, like giving, like sharing a good meal with friends.  Our society would have us focus on mainly material things, on receiving gifts, but there seem to be a shift in our community where people seem to take more pleasure out of giving than receiving.

Last week, on the Jim and Ike Show, the hosts challenged the listeners to “pay it forward”.  The idea came from a story they had read, where a local unknown man (unverified) had paid for someone’s meal at a restaurant, and a chain reaction ensued.  The people he paid for, in turn, paid for someone else, who paid for someone else and so on so forth.

The gesture may seem a bit pointless at first, after all, the only one who truly forked anything from his pockets was the first in line and the only one to truly benefit was the last one, but it started something…

The gesture went viral on social media and gave people the desire to do good.  It enticed people to go beyond their normal scope of “Christmas Cheering”.  It gave our hosts at the Jim and Ike Show the idea to create this challenge.

Over the last couple of days, I have seen wonderful things happen.  On various facebook groups, donations are being given.  I saw brand new toys being drawn for kids who won’t have toys, jewelery being given to widows, rides to Church Services on Christmas day… But what really hit home was the full holiday meal I came across–turkey and all the trimmings–being donated by Jennifer Summers to one lucky family.

“It wasn’t my idea.”, she said, “I won a Christmas basket from my children’s school.  I took what I wanted and added things to make a complete meal and voila! Christmas supper!” 

Although she is quite humble, I personally think Jennifer, who I just met today,  is pretty awesome! In fact, I think SHE ROCKS!

“I’m just paying it forward.” she told me.  “As a single mom of 4, I know the hardships, especially this time of year and I know the joy and overwhelming gratitude a person feels when they are offered unexpected help”

If everyone commits  to one random act of kindness over the holidays, Cornwall will shine.  It can be anything!  Sky is the limit.

The holidays can be a depressing time for many.  Some have lost a loved one, some are dealing with depression, some can’t be with their children…  Let’s try to make everyone’s holidays special this year.  And SING!  As Buddy the Elf would say: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”

The Seeker will buy a movie ticket, popcorn and a drink for someone who has nothing to do or  nobody to spend Christmas with.  Simply comment on this post and you will be entered for the draw.  NOTE: Ticket valid for December 25 ONLY.