A Story on the Meaning of Christmas

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My neighborhood loves Christmas. They're obsessed with it.

Most houses in the neighborhood decorate their homes with Christmas lights each year.

Several families decorate their entire homes with lights.

A couple of clever families even created displays that were synchronized with Christmas music. You could roll down your window or walk by the house and watch a light show for free.

Lights, lights, and more

You see, one of my neighbors went beyond decorating their entire home with lights. They lit the entire home in bright LED Christmas lights and even lit the mailbox and basketball hoop.

Their display included reindeer, trees, candy canes, and even an abominable snowman.

But this family’s display went beyond Christmas lights. Their display was an experience.

There would always be a fire burning in the driveway so family and guests could keep warm. And they created a Christmas kissing booth archway, complete with mistletoe.

Santa would show up on Saturday nights to greet and take pictures with the children.

It took them an entire month each year to set up their light display.

But the family wasn't simply decorating their home for the love of Christmas.

They had an even bigger reason to decorate.

A special display for a special cause

You see, their family had been struck by cancer.

The father’s mother had been diagnosed with and beat cancer.

So, the family wanted to help other families that had been affected by cancer and other illnesses.

They had a unique idea to help them with this goal. The family started a hot cocoa stand.

The family would hand out hot cocoa, candy canes, and even warm cookies for free. People could get free hot cocoa delivered to their cars while they were driving by to see the neighborhood’s lights.

They had a donation box, where they raised money to help a local child in the hospital.

The family ran the cocoa stand each weekend of December, along with Christmas eve.

The hot cocoa stand was a hit.

It received attention from local news networks, leading more people to come to the hot cocoa stand. There would even be a few limos driving up to experience the hot cocoa stand every once in a while. And as a result, they raised even more money for charity.

But during the next year, the family was struck by a cruel twist of fate.

The father was diagnosed with cancer.

But this wasn't just any type of cancer. It was a rare form of cancer that was terminal and had no cure.

He was a healthy man in his early 40s. And all of a sudden, his health deteriorated fast.

He underwent extensive experimental treatments in hopes of beating cancer. These treatments took a toll on his body, in addition to the toll cancer was taking on him. He lost most of his strength.

The treatments helped slow the cancer’s growth. But he, unfortunately, passed away a few years ago.

You wouldn’t have known he was fighting terminal cancer by the smile on his face and happy demeanor. He was a fighter.

He'd be out most nights helping to run the hot cocoa stand.  He’d check up on the family running the stand to make sure they weren't getting cold and tired.

He'd talk with guests outside about the light display, his cancer diagnosis, the New England Patriots, and much more. He was a personable, down-to-earth guy. He was the type of guy who made you feel like you'd been friends for years. 

After the first year, the family decided to use the hot cocoa stand to raise money for cancer. They chose to help Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research. 

Every penny raised by the hot cocoa stand went to charity. 

What can you learn from this story?

The family used their story to help others.

The family's hot cocoa stand is a lesson on the importance of giving. 

They were out each night in the frigid and snowy winter. They fought through the snow and cold, bitter weather. All to help others. 

Be like this family. 

Do good for others, even if it is difficult. You always have the opportunity to help others. 

So, spread kindness and joy to all. Be cheerful and optimistic about life. After all, giving is the Christmas spirit.

Finally, cherish those you love. You never know when they may be gone. It's cliche, but it's true. Our time on this planet is limited.