A long time ago I learned
that the best thing for me to do at this time of year was to step aside from
the fray and let the “professionals” do their thing, leaving me with the task
of being the chief glad hander and merry maker while everyone else tends to the
details. It leaves me the freedom to wander the campus, visit with our
residents and staff, and wish them the season’s best.
As I make my rounds during
the holiday, I am reminded that the true miracle of the season is that a large
empty room at Hillsides becomes filled to the rafters with toys and gifts that
help fulfill the hopes and dreams of all the children and families we serve.
The call went out early in the season and it has been a steady convoy of cars
and individuals bearing gifts. The chief elf this year was a rather unlikely
character, large for an elf standing at better than six feet, wearing a bell
around his neck in order to be detected in the stacked maze of toys and gift
items. An elf’s day is long and requires great stamina but in spite of the
holiday weariness each and every visitor to Santa’s workshop was greeted with a
smile, a jingle of the bell, and a heartfelt thank you.
Since Hillsides is so
special, Santa comes a few days early to visit our residents and so a walk
around campus on Christmas Eve provides encounters with happy and grateful kids
who continue to be awed by an all knowing Santa who clearly had rewarded them
for how nice they have been this past year. Skateboards abound on our signature
hills, basketballs are being broken in on the basketball court, and the
familiar sounds of electronic games echo everywhere. New outfits are donned for
a family visit or some of the many holiday festivities planned.
All in all it is a magical
time of year when disappointments and hurts are put aside to spend time with
people who love and care about one another. They are precious days that help to
reset relationships and hope for a better new year.
To all our many volunteers
and donors who so generously help us to create memories for all we serve, thank
you. Without your support we would be unable to fulfill the hopes and dreams
that are so important to the children and families in our care. May you and
your family have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the comfort of knowing that your
kindness this holiday season has made a wonderful difference for all those we
serve at Hillsides.
Happy Holidays and Merry
Christmas!
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