A cool thing my parents used to do for Christmas.
By Amber
@AmbiePam (111527)
United States
December 10, 2024 10:54am CST
Neither one of my parents ever really wanted anything for Christmas. I mean, if anything, they would have enjoyed books, but they had plenty of those.
Our church happens to be close to a Christian college, so we’d always get students from there coming to services. Inevitably, at Christmas there was always one student from out of state, who could not afford to go home for the holidays. So they decided to use the money they would have spent on each other for Christmas, plus a little more they had saved, and buy a plane ticket for a student who couldn’t afford to go home for the holiday. They did this every year for 12 years until my mom got dementia and medical bills left them unable to do it anymore.
I didn’t know about this until a student they previously did this for, told me years later. I asked my dad about it, and he told me it was my mom’s idea, and he had liked it too. I thought it was the coolest thing.
37 people like this
34 responses
@marguicha (229771)
• Chile
10 Dec 24
It was more that cool. It was something to admire. Not many people are so generous and thoughtful as your mother was.
6 people like this
@MarieCoyle (54025)
•
11 Dec 24
@AmbiePam
I am sure she was very proud of you and your sister. I know you miss her. She was taken way too young.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (54626)
• Canada
10 Dec 24
That is a wonderful way to share the reason for the season, help another family in need, and inspire a young student to feel the joy of being home with his family, that maybe, just maybe, they would be inspired one day to pay it forward. Your parents both have (had) big and generous hearts.
5 people like this
@moffittjc (127205)
• Gainesville, Florida
11 Dec 24
That was very thoughtful of your parents to do that, and a perfect example of living out the Christian life that Christ called us to do.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (127205)
• Gainesville, Florida
11 Dec 24
@AmbiePam I would love to be that kind of person as well. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m getting there.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (54025)
•
10 Dec 24
How wonderful that they did that, and obviously they didn’t announce their good deeds to anyone. They truly made some people very happy. Just like another lady I know.
5 people like this
@MarieCoyle (54025)
•
11 Dec 24
@AmbiePam
The neat thing is, no one asked for the gift of the ticket. They just didn't expect to get to go home and accepted that. But your parents (who couldn't have had much, I know what some minister's make!) saw a need and maybe a sad student or two...and quietly bought the ticket.
I think I would have just loved your Mother, and I can see why you care about your Dad and stepmother so much. Truly good people!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (111527)
• United States
11 Dec 24
@MarieCoyle You and my mother would definitely have been friends. 
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (93590)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Dec 24
Your parents did a wonderful thing for those students. I know they were very blessed and have been rewarded for it.Thank you for the suggesting @1creekgirl
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (212370)
• United States
11 Dec 24
That's a wonderful story. Have a good day.
2 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (66151)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
11 Dec 24
That is so cool period that's an awesome thing to do for students that couldn't afford to come back or go back home.I know i've never met your parents but now I know why you're so awesome
2 people like this
@arunima25 (92849)
• Bangalore, India
10 Dec 24
That's one thoughtful and selfless thing to do. True to the festive spirit of bringing families together and spreading smiles . Sorry about your mom's dementia. Sending hugs for her.
. Sorry about your mom's dementia. Sending hugs for her.2 people like this
@aureategloom (11025)
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
10 Dec 24
that is so amazing. 12 families were reunited and spent holidays together thanks to your parents 
2 people like this
@jobelbojel (36788)
• Philippines
12 Dec 24
Thank you for sharing. Your parents did a great job helping others.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (88359)
• United States
13 Dec 24
Wow that's really a heartwarming story to hear about your parents. I'm sure that the student appreciated being able to go home and more so the parents who have missed him/her.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40715)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Jan 25
@AmbiePam - That was such a kindness your parents showed for others. I'm sure it meant a lot to those people, and continues to be meaningful even years later!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40715)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Jan 25
@AmbiePam - Thanks! I still get on here occasionally, although not too often anymore. I like to see that some of my friends are still here!
1 person likes this
