The real spirit of the season

Ah, the magic and surprises of Christmas. Our family these days consists of four kids, three partners and five little ones — all of whom have been taking part in a cherished tradition for years.

Years ago on Thanksgiving, when everyone had gathered at our home, we said that we didn’t want Christmas presents any more, but hoped they would donate to a cause we treasured or to one important to them — and then write about it on a card for Christmas day. They were taken aback, but easily got into the spirit, and every Christmas morning we heard what everyone had done. Smiles, hugs, a tear or two ... it’s a unique and special time we all cherish.

Their choices are all diverse, imaginative and thoughtful. The donations have been everything from supporting medical causes to having their kids choose clothing, books and toys for little ones in less comfortable family circumstances. Surprises have included working on the renovation of a food bank, sending money to a friend on her way to help out an African medical clinic, buying special gifts for a little girl dealing with leukemia. One son and family cooked three turkeys, made Christmas food packages with all the trimmings for about 30 people on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The recipients said they were angels.

The kids learned a lot, and we did, too — including that needs are year-round and visible in all our communities. For example, one son instituted soup making at his high school.

It is heartwarming that some extended family members and friends have also included part of our Christmas tradition. Now, it’s always hard to say which was our best Christmas. They are always very special.

Maggie Hayes