12 Days of UNICEF: Day 10, Caryl Stern
Hanukah took on new meaning once I became a mother. It was always a season of light, love, and giving. But now, I love to emphasize that it's not only about giving of material gifts to each other. It's an opportunity to give and receive gifts of all kinds. My family and I decided to dedicate one night for "giving" to others. A night to "give" instead of "get." Holidays are an opportunity to make others feel special and appreciated, and to do good for others. UNICEF has made shopping very easy - with an array of gorgeous merchandise, all ethically sourced. Take the hand crafted African Zenzulu Ornaments, for example. Not only would this gift delight the recipient, it provides jobs for Zulu women and Zimbabwean refugees, and helps UNICEF save lives. That's three "mitzvahs" in one!
When I think back to Hanukah celebrations of my youth, visions of beautiful, bright candles abound. The rituals of lighting them, of celebrating our culture, history and faith... and literally basking in the light and warmth they emit, surrounded by loved ones and memories of those who are no longer here with us. I can almost taste the melt-in-your mouth potato pancakes and applesauce that my grandmother and mother made, and hear the laughter of my cousins and extended family as we shared in the celebration. Hanukah took on new meaning once I became a mother. It was always a season of light, love, and giving. But now, I love to emphasize that it's not only about giving of material gifts to each other. It's an opportunity to give and receive gifts of all kinds. My family and I decided to dedicate one night for "giving" to others. A night to "give" instead of "get." Through the years, we've visited people who are confined to their homes due to medical and physical conditions; we've delivered toys to children and provided meals to hungry members of our community. These times together are precious and given us some of the best presents, things that money can't buy.
Holidays are an opportunity to make others feel special and appreciated, and to do good for others. UNICEF has made shopping very easy - with an array of gorgeous merchandise, all ethically sourced. Take the hand crafted African Zenzulu Ornaments, for example. Not only would this gift delight the recipient, it provides jobs for Zulu women and Zimbabwean refugees, and helps UNICEF save lives. That's three "mitzvahs" in one! Happy holidays to all, with my gratitude for your continued support of UNICEF and the children we serve. As we count down the 12 Days of UNICEF, don’t forget to join us tomorrow for another UNICEF Cards and Gifts or an Inspired Gifts selection from a UNICEF celebrity supporter.
