12 Days of Christmas Kindness: Day 4 (and Santa Claus!)

Unfortunately, our house has been hit hard by the illustrious winter cold. I swear every time Jeff or I start to feel better, it's as if another round comes to knock us down. Poor Jonas has become victim to it as well. In fact, Tuesday (11th) night, I had to take him to the pediatrician because of pink eye. I'm not sure who brought these germs into our house, but I am seriously ready to be done! Still, today we felt well enough to FINALLY go to see Santa! Jonas has been waiting and waiting for his opportunity to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas. Prior to going, Jonas also wrote Santa a letter telling him what he wanted to ensure that Santa wouldn't forget. When we got to the "North Pole" (or the University Mall), Jonas only hesitated a moment before going to sit on Santa's lap. Even though the picture doesn't truly convey his excitement (it looks more like a tentative smile), he was so happy to finally see the Jolly Man himself.

Today's kindness activity was one we started last year...and has quickly become a family favorite. Tonight we went out to dinner (yay for me! no cooking!) then left an extra large tip for our server! Jeff and I agreed to pay for the meal and a normal tip then the boys chip in any extra money to go above and beyond the standard tip. I am always pleased to see how much money they are willing to donate to a complete stranger. We love this activity because we actually get to know the recipient of our kindness...even if we don't stick around to see the reaction. Like last year, we decided to have dinner at Daltons. We wanted to keep our kindness local. And, just like last year, our server was Heidi! Since last year, Heidi has become manager at Dalton's. She always seems to be there and always has a smile. I would guess that Heidi is in her late 30s and has several kids; yet, because of finances, she continues to work to help provide for her family. We were all smiling a little more when we left our tip, wished her a Merry Christmas, and exited before she had time to count the money. Merry Christmas Heidi!