The Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well in Northborough

I am sitting here tonight warmed by the Christmas spirit.

It is present at every corner; we just need to open our hearts to it. It was present in the hearts of all the people who helped at, baked for, and donated to the recent Friends of F.I.T. Holiday party, where local homeless families were invited to the Town Hall to enjoy Christmas games, crafts, pizza and of course a visit from Santa.

Every child left the evening with an arm full of gifts and the volunteers left with joy in their hearts. It was also present when a friend who met a young homeless girl—disappointed that a different Santa gave her a stuffed bear (and not the doll she had asked for in her letter)—was not angry or selfish just innocent. My friend called me to ask about her picking up a doll for the girl. Christmas Spirit at work, only ten minutes earlier I had recieved a phone call from another friend who let me know someone had given her an American Girl Doll PJ set matching for a girl  and her doll. And the doll, too!

I love when things like this happen. Oh, it's not over yet!

A wonderful young man, whose family I have come to spend time with, is currently homeless and living in an area motel. He is a polite, kind wonderful boy. He joined us at our holiday party. He was so thankful for his gifts, one being a GC to Gamestop, as his mom had informed me he really wants an iPod. He found one secondhand at Gamestop. He did not ask me for one, he never complained or whined about what he did receive. He just mentioned to me how he was saving any cards he got to get himself one.

Well, an email arrived from a gentleman who would like to assist a family with the holidays. I mentioned additional gift cards, but not good enough; instead he would like to give him an iPod.

I must admit, this brought tears to my eyes. One might say that is wrong to be moved by material things. However, it was the generous heart, the thankless act of giving from this man, that moved me. He does not know this boy, he did not ask for anything in return. Without hesitation, he just where do I drop off the gift.

The Christmas spirit is alive and present, for what it is. And what "it" is? Simply a feeling of goodness, a feeling of taking a moment to think not about yourself but about those around you, family, friends and complete strangers.

It is about warming others hearts and bringing joy to people, slowing down for just a minute to appriciate the wonderful things around you. It is also about  magic ... the magic of Christmas morning, a wonderful feeling I remember as a kid and see in my own children. It is about the feeling of complete happiness and feeling that, "For now everything is good, and I am loved." I think if you are real quiet on Christmas morning ... really quiet ... you will hear that magic as our two young friends will be screaming out of joy.

That joyful noise is because of all of you.

Thank you to everyone who supports Friends of F.I.T and its families. You are truly making a difference in others' lives.

Merry Christmas.