The Catholic values that are instilled in my from my dad and his family are almost all centered around giving, or the act of selflessness. The reason I bring this up is because of the many different actions that go on during the holidays such as secret santa, giving money at church and working in soup kitchens. Every year I see the same actions over and over by members of the Catholic community helping out those in need, even if they are in dire straits themselves. They do it not because they feel obligated, but instead because they want to do it. The act of giving is instilled in them though the bible and the rest of their community and it is a great thing to have as a part of who you are. My dad runs a program every year called the
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"Santa Program" that is designed to provide a Christmas experience to underprivileged, inner city children at the D.C. day care centers. My dad dresses up as Santa, while me, my sister and our friends dress up as elves and visit these centers and give out the presents. We go buy truck loads of toys from the local Target and then wrap them all together as a family and it feels so good. Seeing those kids' faces light up makes me so happy that I have elements of both religions in my life. I am so lucky to be placed in a situation where I can help these kids-in-need have a Christmas experience that they will probably not have at home. I love the act of giving and that is a major value that my Catholic side brings close to my heart.
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