Hello Graduates,

The Holiday season is upon us, and it is truly such a beautiful time of year. Regardless of how you celebrate, this is a season that is defined by a palpable spirt of giving. While this often manifests in a thoughtful exchange of heartfelt gifts, giving comes in many different forms.

The most impactful ways to give are not necessarily the most time consuming or expensive. True giving is a sincere expression of kindness and compassion toward others. This week, I invited two PSI team members to share unconventional ways that they give during the Holiday season. I hope they inspire you to think out of the box about what you can give to your loved ones and your community.

Blessings,
JC Willhite

Cheyenne Hunt | Content Strategist:

My model for giving was the love of my life, my late Grandmother Shirley Hunt. She was living proof that givers gain works and took the Holiday season as an invitation to give even more of her time, resources, and energy to those in need.

Growing up, she would dress my mother and I up in holiday attire including elf hats, flashing Christmas light necklaces, and melodious jingle bells that strapped to our shoes. Then, on Christmas Eve, she would load us in the car with bags of little gifts she had collected over the year and drive us down to the local old folk’s home.

She would take me by the hand and bring me door to door to do my little elf dance for the senior citizens while she let them pick a gift out of her bag of soaps, lotions, candies, and fuzzy socks.

At first, I wondered why the seniors were so excited to get such a seemingly small gift. Then, as I got older, I realized that the true gift we were giving was our time and attention. They were excited that someone had come to bring some holiday cheer, sit on the end of the bed, chat about whatever was on their mind, and treat them with dignity and compassion. It costs nothing to call an elder care facility in your community and ask how you can bring some company and joy to their residents. Even in the COVID era, you can get on a video call and give them the most priceless gift – your kindness and attention.