The Winner of our Philly Holiday Story Contest is...
Thank you to everyone who submitted their heartfelt entries to our first Philly Holiday Story Contest. The judges had a difficult task selecting just one winner, and it was an extremely tight contest, but they've made their decision.
Congratulations, Tanya Thibodeau, on winning our first Philly Holiday Story Contest for her entry, "My Father Taught Me the True Meaning of Christmas." Tanya will be receiving a gift basket from Kraft to enjoy in the new year.
To read all the wonderful stories submitted to the contest by members, click on these links: Week 1 and Week 2. These stories not only warmed our hearts, they also helped support the ongoing efforts of Food Banks Canada to feed those in need.
Now, the winning story...
My Father Taught Me the True Meaning of Christmas
It was Christmas 1982. I was 11 years old. My father volunteered to play Santa Claus at our small town's shopping plaza, and I went along with my dad to help hand out candy canes.
As a thank you on Christmas Eve, management gave him a $100 gift certificate to the plaza grocery store. Keep in mind that $100 in groceries in 1982 went a lot further than it does now.
Off to the store we went; my father still decked out as Santa. He began filling the cart with all the fixings for a Christmas turkey dinner. I remember thinking how happy my mother would be that she would have all this extra food.
We checked out and drove away. But we didn't drive home. We drove to the home of a family in desperate need. My father, in his Santa suit, knocked on their front door and began unloading all the bags to their porch. The mother opened the door to Santa wishing her and her family a very merry Christmas. She didn't know who he was under that suit. I saw her well up with tears as she thanked him. That is my favourite Christmas memory.
16 comments
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Congratulations Tanya - what a heart warming story - you must be so proud of your dad! Merry Christmas!
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Thank you Real Women of Philadelphia, Kraft, and members of this amazing community. I have been touched reading all the stories as well. In the busy weeks leading up to Christmas, it can be so easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. I have enjoyed reading the stories and reflecting on my own as a way of grounding myself.
I am truly moved by the generosity and acts of random kindness displayed by strangers, and I am happy to have learned this value as a child. All of the wonderful memories I have of Christmas as a child involve my father. He loved the holidays. About 5 years ago, he had let his beard grow in. At Christmastime it was lengthy, and due to his illness, it had become stark white. He was shopping at a local grocery store, and he overheard a little girl exclaim to her mother: "Look, Mommy! It's Santa Claus!" He played along as Santa and made the little girl's day.
Kate, the gesture did not surprise my mother, so yes, she was happy my father shared his Christmas spirit with a family in need. J
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Goosebumps indeed! Amazing story Tanya, I loved it! Your story captures the true meaning of Christmas!
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Wonderful story, Tanya and congratulations! I will think of your story as a reminder of truly great heart!
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Congratulations, Tanya
I thought the story was truey beautiful. Many thanks for submitting it.
Question? You don't have to answer. What was your Mom's reaction? I'll bet, being married to the man with such a heart, she was A-OK.
Just enquiring minds.
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Yay!!!!! Clapping for you, Tanya! I just loved reading your story when you posted it and I can see why the judges loved it also, although, I'm sure they had a tough time deciding between all the great stories that came in. It was an honour to be part of this fundraiser and the entire community should be very proud of the great results and the fabulous stories that raised money for the Food Banks of Canada. Well done!
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What a beautiful story!! It brought a tear to my eye and filled me with Christmas spirit. Congratulations Tanya and thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with the community.
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Wow Congrats Tanya what a beautiful story. I had goosebumps reading it and blinked a few tears... People like your father and stories like these make the true meaning of Christmas come alive and truly what this season is about - random acts of kindness and pay it forward moments - thank you! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas....
Miss Philly -- look forward to reading more stories with a cup of tea ;) Thanks to all members who submitted - look forward to reading each one. Cheers to Food Banks of Canada ;)
Chantal ;)
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Congratulations, Tanya!
And thanks to all the members whose stories had us smiling ear to ear or tearing up. Each and every story entered truly was a special gift.
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