Have you noticed a theme to my recent posts? Holiday this, holiday that. And since I’m a Christmas junkie (cue the Jingle Bells and mistletoe) it’s just my favourite time of year to spread good will and cheer. So, consider yourself warned – lots of Ho Ho Ho! talk on the way.
And amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, there’s just something magical that happens around this time –
Canadians are kind. We help neighbours string up their Christmas lights, volunteer to wrap gifts for the elderly and bake festive cookies for co-workers.
Canadians are generous. We donate to charitable causes, collect non-perishable items for food drives and distribute a mountain of toys at local hospitals.
Canadians are jolly. We celebrate with family and friends, turn up our favourite Christmas carols and sneak a kiss (or two) under the mistletoe.
Now you may be thinking – “Lena is viewing Christmas through rose-coloured shades! What about the cranky last minute shoppers, rampant materialism and dissipation of the true meaning of the holiday?”
True. But that’s the wonderful thing about each holiday season – every year, it’s another chance to get it right. It’s another chance to make amends, do something special, empty your pockets for a good cause and see the world through the eyes of a child. It’s another chance to pay it forward.
This Christmas, I’m so pleased to join Butterball Canada in hosting a #PayitForward Holiday Twitter Party. On Wednesday, November 28th at 8:00pm EST, we’ll be chatting about all the ways you keep the holiday spirit alive and your best tips for spreading joy this season. To celebrate, we’ll be giving away six $50 Butterball Gift Certificates.
And you’ll have the chance to pay it forward.
For those lucky six individuals, you’ll also receive an additional $50 Butterball Gift Certificate to gift to anyone you please. Whether it be a co-worker with many mouths to feed; a friendly neighbour who always helps out; a local food bank or even someone in your family, here’s your chance to pay it forward with Butterball.
Share the splendour of the season with us – Join us for the #PayitForward Twitter Party!
DATE: Wednesday, November 28th
TIME: 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #PayitForward
Hosted By:
@Butterball_CA
Moderated By:
@Listen2Lena – @SassyModernMom – @TeacherMomofTwo – @MyChaos – @SimplyStacieNet
Prizing is available to Canadians only. RSVP below for your chance to win, and see you on Wednesday!
*Please be sure to enter your Twitter Handle “@yourTwitterhandle” in the Link/Blog Title field, and your Twitter URL “www.twitter.com/yourtwitterhandle” in the Link Field*
I love this idea so much!! I’m charitable throughout the year, but Christmas hits me hard and I sometimes go into overdrive. There are so many people out there who are in need! Looking forward to the party :)
It was so nice partying with you Shauna. Such a wonderful party, full of inspiration!
I love this idea as well – the holidays can be such a stressful time (with the crowds, event planning, money worries, etc) it’s nice to be able to put a smile on someones face! IT can be as simple as paying for a coffee, but those little things can make someones day!
You’re absolutely right. I’d made it my mission to pay it forward at least once per day!
What an excellent idea to pay it forward during the holidays
Thank you Shirley :)
Oh, another twitter party. I love participating in these. I already know who I’d gift the $50 Butterball gift to. :D
Thanks so much for joining us Patti!
What a nice post :) I had a great conversation with friends a few days ago about paying it forward/random acts of kindness – things like buying cookies for the next few cars in the drive-thru at Tim Horton’s, or buying the person behind you in line’s coffee. It always brings a tear to my eye to hear about someone paying for a young family’s dinner or groceries. So inspiring!
It’s true – it IS so inspiring! Thinking of new ways I can pay it forward this holiday season.
One year, I gave about 500.00 worth of digital books to the cnib in my area. It made me feel good to know that someone would be relaxing listening to some great stories. Sometimes, it is something simple like when I see someone who looks overstressed or saddened, I will give them a big smile and say hello. I have been in that spot and know that a smile says a whole lot.
That’s so wonderful, Doreen! Love it!
I will pay it forward by sharing some of my delicious bacon with coworkers at lunch.
Ha! Good one – you’d better follow through!
I’ve been trying to find some better ways to be more helpful in my community.
Maybe more food is all we need. I think I’ll do that.
Great choice – there are so many hungry people in our own community!
This is wonderful! There isn’t a better way to celebrate the holidays than by paying it forward. Love it!
Thanks so much for your awesome contributions to the Twitter Party, Diana!
We always pay it forward every year, so important this time of year.
Indeed!
I pay it forward all year long. I leave non perisable goods in the food bank box every time I go grocery shopping, and being able to gift a familt with a great meal would be fantastic
That sounds wonderful, Debbie :) Thank you for being awesome!
This is great!
A great idea, I’m very much in tune with always paying it forward. Always think of others and how to give back. I buy the person behind me in the Tim’s line coffee on Sunday mornings!
You’re so awesome Angie – love that you do that every Sunday morning!
Looking forward to this! Great idea!
Such a great idea!! If I win, my #payitforward card will go in a special random act of kindness box I am putting together for a few families who hit hard times at our son’s school. Im certain this would make a huge impact on them. I will likey donate the other card to our church as I have a butterball in my freezer right now for Christmas and nothing can beat the gift of #giving
So true Paula – thanks so much for joining us :)
Can’t wait!!
Looking forward to gleaning some new ideas from people!
There were so many awesome and inspiring ideas!
I have paid it forward many times in my life by helping those who are homeless and those who are just down on their luck or have no family. I think this is a great idea!
You’re wonderful Jennifer – thank you for being a living example of paying it forward!
The date is Wed, the 28th but you have “See you Thursday”
what a great idea! i love giving and do so all year long. glad i got in on this twitter party! looking forward to the party!!
Thank you for joining us Pam!