December is a very busy time for all of us at HopeTree. We get so caught up in sending out our bulletin inserts to churches, wrapping gifts for residents, and planning for the upcoming year that we often forget to take time for ourselves. That's why one of my favorite parts of Christmas at HopeTree is going to all the Christmas parties on our Salem campus, our WOODS campuses, and all of the DDM homes. It's not just for the food (although it is quite good), but rather for the looks on the residents faces. They come from all different backgrounds and have all sorts of different personalities but at Christmas, it all seems to slow down for them.
There is something heartwarming about the look on a resident's face when they are given their presents. Someone from the community, who doesn't even know them, went to the trouble to buy these gifts for them. The residents come to know that there are people out there who care for them. They get to eat at a special Christmas dinner put on just for them. They get to help decorate their cottages and Christmas trees. They get to spend time with their families. In short, the residents get to see what Christmas is all about: giving to others as Christ gave his life for us.
