We love that each Christmas, instead of wrapping boxes or tying bows, you have asked us to give a different kind of gift — one rooted in service, intention, and love. Our family focused on a quote that has stayed with us all season:
We wanted our Christmas service gift this year to reflect that truth. Rather than waiting for something big or dramatic, each of us looked for the small, quiet opportunities all around us — ways to help a neighbor, reach out to a friend, serve right where we are, and make someone’s day a little lighter or a little easier.
Here are some of the ways those “small ones” showed up for us this season.
Heath went the day after Thanksgiving to help a family in our ward move. They had specifically told him they were fine and didn’t want to put anyone out, especially around a holiday. Heath went anyway — and ended up helping move three refrigerators out of their basement. The man was shocked and deeply grateful that Heath would come despite their earlier reassurance. It was a reminder that sometimes showing up, even when people say they’re okay, can mean more than we realize.
Linlea sought out opportunities to watch kids when neighbors needed to work. It wasn’t always convenient or easy, but it lifted stress from a few weary moms who didn’t have to worry about childcare for a bit. She also made potatoes, and Heath picked up rolls and cookies for the funeral of the son of a sweet woman in our ward. Her son had a young child, wasn’t married, and passed away unexpectedly. Her grief was heavy and real. Linlea, Harper, Brooklin, and Hadlea had planned to attend the luncheon and help serve, but sickness swept through our house that week. Even so, we were determined to still help in the small way we could — by making food and letting her know she wasn’t alone.
Harper put together flowers, treats, and a card for her soccer friend who had shoulder surgery. The following week, Hadlea did the same for her own soccer friend who had her tonsils removed — sisters serving sisters. We also made sure to include a treat for their mom, because it’s hard when your kids go through surgery too. Distance didn’t stop the girls from wanting those friends to know they were being thought of and loved.
Brooklin made a point to attend her Activity Days service project, where they cleaned up our community. Among their finds was a very beat-up, giant trampoline that had clearly lost its battle with Eagle Mountain wind — and they cleaned that up too. She also helping make breakfast burritos for her coach/carpool mom/teammate’s family, who is expecting a baby, so they’ll have easy meals ready in the freezer during those early weeks.
Skylar brought flowers and made a card for a friend who had surgery and could not wait to take it to her and check up on her! She also seeks out her Primary teachers and substitutes whenever she sees them — just to brighten their day and let them know they’re appreciated.
As a family, we watched our neighbors’ dogs often so they could leave town without stress or worry. Harper took it upon herself to collect all of the neighbors’ mail so they didn’t have to. Hadlea made a Veterans Day card for her coach who served in the Army, letting him know his service matters and is remembered. Heath makes sure to offer a ride to one of his fellow coaches that would walk home. A simple gesture, but one that has meant a lot to him and their relationship.
And then there’s Beckett. His service looks simple — but it might be the most powerful of all. He waves and says hello to everyone we pass. It’s amazing how many gruff, tired, solemn faces soften and turn into bright smiles when he waves directly at them, like they truly matter (because they do).
This Christmas season taught us that service doesn’t have to be loud or impressive. It can be quiet, inconvenient, unseen — and still sacred. These small, daily acts stitched our hearts closer to our neighbors, friends, and community, and reminded us what it really means to give. Grammie and Granddad, this is the gift we wanted to give you this year — a glimpse into how your family is trying to live with open eyes and open hands. Thank you for teaching us, by example, that love is something you do, not just something you say.