I Bought Advent Calendars for Teens I’d Never Met
When I was little, the advent season was always the highlight of the year, something I looked forward to with an unproportionate amount of excitement. I have fond memories of how even such a small, everyday thing as an advent calendar brought excitement and joy to my daily life, leading up to the big day: Christmas Eve. Looking back on my childhood also reminds me of how even the smallest moments , such as opening the advent calendar together with my family, shaped my Christmas every year, and how grateful I am that my family had the means and the time to do so.
Now that I’ve downloaded Commu (originally because I needed help putting up a shelf), I’ve started thinking about how I could help out this Christmas myself. As well as wanting to be of use to others, I’m motivated by the desire to recreate that same nostalgic feeling. Ultimately, I’ll be happy if I can help even one child to experience the same Christmas joy that I once felt myself.
So I posted an announcement on Commu. In the announcement, I asked what sort of advent calendar someone would like and whether they had any allergies. No further information or effort was needed, as the idea was simple and clear right from the post’s title: ‘Let’s get a child their very own advent calendar ❤️🎄💚’.
I was surprised at how quickly my post was replied to. I was contacted by a mother of two teenagers, who had herself posted a message saying she was hoping to get advent calendars for her children in another municipality, but hadn’t yet found any help there. She told me the teenagers had already mentioned that advent calendars would make them happy, but her financial situation was tight for the rest of the year. I decided to send the chocolate advent calendars they’d asked for by mail. Feeling rather nostalgic, I popped into the supermarket to buy the calendars and wrapped them up at home. The evening left me in such a good mood, that I even drew a little ‘Merry Christmas’ card to include with the parcel. The mother and I are still in touch via Commu, so I’ll be notified when the parcel arrives.
Is a good deed always selfish?
Last Christmas, I bought a present for a teenager I didn’t know and felt the same joy in giving, that undeniably grows stronger at Christmas time, when you think back on your own childhood Christmases. It always surprises me how helping others and giving gifts can touch me so deeply. I can’t help but wonder: is a good deed always selfish? I’ve admitted to myself that, in a way, it is, as the motivation stems from my own sense of well-being or a sense of responsibility. At the same time, I want to remember that human nature’s inherent self-interest can be used for both good and bad, and I’d personally count buying an advent calendar for someone else as being in the good category. Whatever the motivation, I’m glad I was able to fulfil my wish to help someone this Christmas in such a smooth way. I also hope that those in need will have the courage to ask for help, just as this mother of two teenagers did, so that we, as a community, can respond to their needs exactly when they arise.
With a heart full of the joy of giving,
Wilma
New Commu user
Download Commu today and make this Christmas a little better with a good deed!