ChristmasDays

The end of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

How else can I begin this final post for Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas 2011 than with the most sincere and heartfelt words of gratitude, THANK YOU! I wasn’t sure what to expect compared to last year, yet at the same time I wasn’t worried.  I set out to write these blog posts partly as a way to hype myself up for the upcoming holiday season.  As I mention in the opening introduction, in today’s crazy fast pace, commercially driven society, it’s often easy to forget the joy and spirit behind the Christmas season. A season for love, warmth and happiness spent with your family and friends.  For me, the giving of gifts is about expressing the fondness that you harbour for the one’s that are special in your life. It’s not about finding a gift of appropriate value or being the one to buy that ‘thing’ that someone asked for.  When you put those expectations on the whole process, it’s no wonder you see so many angry and agitated people during the season.

Additionally, often overlooked are the one’s who are really struggling with life in general, let alone during the holidays and the coldest, most desperate time of year.  As a means to combating the Christmas blues, what better way to lift your own spirits than by lending a helping hand to others in need? Enter the daily charity donations.

So, as I was searching YouTube for Christmas songs and videos for the season, and contemplating which charity to support and how much I could afford, I thought, “Why not get together with others to make more of an impact?” I’m certainly not made of mountains of disposable income or resources, but when you combine small amounts, they become so much more. What would happen if I decided to share my actions with my friends? Perhaps I could inspire others to do the same? Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas was born.

With the use of SOCiAL media, the reach of this campaign took off like never before.  I’m so grateful to the supporters on Twitter for the constant sharing and Retweeting all of my post updates.  I’m not even sure how many people saw the #Tims25Days hashtag, but let’s hope many of them were inspired to add a donation of their own. On Facebook, the many shares, likes and comments were a constant source of motivation to get the next post ready for the following day, and to see who was moved to join me in my campaign. I also really appreciate all the charity suggestions and the admissions of Christmas song favourites.  I included many in this year’s lists, and many more have been added to 2012 potentials.

Thus concludes another year, the second annual, of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas. What a fantastic way for me to end 2011.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart of allowing me to pursue this project, for supporting me, and making us all feel like there’s more to Christmas than shopping, bad traffic, and cold, cold days.  If you have missed some, most or all of the 25 days of this Christmas season, it’s not too late.  I have created a list of all 25 charities that we have supported throughout the campaign.  If you find yourself with a few extra dollars that you didn’t spend on Christmas, take a look at the list and consider supporting a few of these worthy organizations. Or support them all. It’s never too late to match the $5.00 donation to each of the charities.

#Tims25Days of Christmas 2011 Charities

Annnnnd…if you’re not yet completely fed up and over Christmas, I have also created a playlist on YouTube for you to go back and listen to all 25 Days of Christmas Songs. Maybe put the playlist on while you are cleaning up all the ripped wrapping paper, and the dishes from family dinner.

#Tims25Days of Christmas 2011 Playlist

Now that it’s all said and done, I look forward to next year, to including more of your suggestions, and making more of an impact! If you shared a post, joined the conversation, or were inspired to participate, I thank you once again. Enjoy the new year and have a fantastic 2012!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim

Day 25 of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

Well we made it!!  It’s Christmas Day, and no one’s head has exploded from all the stress of the hustle and bustle.  Hopefully, by the time you get to reading this, you will have spent a great deal of time basking in the glow and warmth of your family.  May your day have been filled with plenty of love and laughter.

It’s the final day for Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas 2011. As is the new annual tradition, we begin the season with one of my favourite songs, and we end with one as well. My favourite carol has always been Carol of the Bells.  I love that there are so many different, unique and crazy cool renditions of the song.  From the Claymation special that we featured last year, to the Trans Siberian Orchestra.  I prefer versions with the words… Not to be confused with Family Guy’s “Ding Fries Are Done!” Although, I would like an apple pie with that.

Since we’re going with what I like today: to finish off the final 25th Day of Charity donations, I’m going to feature an organization that I have been supporting since I started supporting charities.  If you live in British Columbia, you will have definitely heard of this foundation.  When it comes to Christmas, it seems like it goes hand in hand with children.  Can’t image what it would be like to experience the holiday season while fighting a terminal illness.  No one should have to deal with that.  For the last of #Tims25Days, we support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.  You can match my donation, how ever much you can spare, HERE: http://www.bcchf.ca/

My many thanks for once again taking time out of your busy schedule during this holiday season to read this post.  I’ve appreciated all the support, the sharing, the conversation, and the donations to support the different charities up until this point.  I do hope you will continue that for this last day.  Anything you can do spread both the Christmas joy and the goodwill would be amazing.  

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim

Day 24 of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through my house, not a creature was stirring, ‘cause I’m too damn tired from a two day shopping marathon.  How do you ladies do it? There must be some sort of stamina built up through extensive training.  Now that it’s all said and done, I’m settling into a few hours of…wait…I have to go to work first. Gah! AFTER work…I’ll settle into a few hours of wrapping presents while waiting a few of my favourite Christmas Movies.  What is your favourite Christmas Movie of all time?  Which one do you HAVE to see every year? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Today, I dedicate my entire 24th Day of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas to my mother. It’s a tradition that my mom started where every Christmas Eve, our entire family would gather in the living room, put on Christmas movies, then….build shelters and forts out of boxes and furniture. That way, no one could peek while we all wrapped our Christmas Presents. Fun times and many pleasant memories.  I asked my mother what her all time favourite Christmas song or carol was, and this was it. For you mom:

I mentioned it last year, yet I have no qualms about saying so again: I’m very thankful to have my mother around, let alone at Christmas.  This year we celebrated her 5 Year Milestone of being Cancer Free.  For anyone who’s had any experience with this disease, you know that, that is a significant achievement.  Today, I continue to celebrate this by featuring the BC Cancer Foundation.  I know that they have been an integral part of her success with treatment, as well as her mental well being.  That’s why I have saved this charity until the near end, in hopes that momentum has surged to make a significant impact. I urge you to please donate as I have done.  Help fight to keep families together, especially at Christmas. You can do so HERE: http://bccancerfoundation.com/

I’d really appreciate your help in making today’s Tims’2 25 Days of Christmas post as widespread as possible.  Please post this on Facebook, Tweet and ReTweet it on Twitter, and share it however you connect with people online.  Just as important are the Comments and the Likes which help the post become more visible in everyone’s Newsfeeds.  Not to mention building the conversation around the campaign.  Until tomorrow…have a fantastic Christmas Eve!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim

Day 23 of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

We’re in the final stretch, now.  If you’re reading this, then thank-you so much for taking a quick break from the craziness of Christmas shopping. Unless, of course, you’re one of those people who are going to tell me you finished your shopping last month, in which case, we’re not speaking right now.

Today, I would like to make a special dedication to a dear friend. Day 23 of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas goes out to Vancouver’s very own Mk Stevens.  We’ve worked closely together over the last year and he’s been a large part in getting this blog off the ground From creating graphics, building the website, to sharing it’s posts with his friends and contacts.  One of Mike’s skills is in finding and sharing new talent with the world. Keeping with that, today’s Christmas video comes from some rising stars on YouTube.

Last year I also made a contribution to the BC Heart and Stoke Foundation in memory of someone close to Mike and to the memory of my grandfather. If anything, this above all else deserves to be made into a tradition.  I sincerely hope that you will join me in donating $5.00 to this foundation, and as their website promotes, “Make Death Wait.” If you would like to contribute, you can do so HERE: http://www.heartandstroke.bc.ca

If you decide to make a donation of you own, I hope that you will leave a comment and share the reason you’ve decided to do so.  Many of us have lost someone to heart disease and stroke. Let’s help to put an end to it.

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim

Day 22 of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

OMG, OMG, OMG!! Only 3 more sleeps until Santa! Maybe I should start my Christmas Shopping? I know, such a typical guy, right? In my defense I spent a couple weeks away, so I’m a little behind on the shopping time.

With that all said, another day, means yet another of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas! Today’s video is actually one that I have seen circulating again this year. Originally posted in 2008 and later again in 2009 by the official Muppet’s Studio YouTube Channel. Enjoy!

Now for some good old fashion Christmas Spirit and the joy of giving. Today my $5.00 donation goes to benefit an organization that we have all been supporting since the days of the Terry Fox Run at school. You certainly don’t have to twist my arm when it comes to contributing to Cancer Research and awareness. You can match my donation HERE: http://www.terryfox.org/Foundation/

My sincere appreciate for tuning in to check out Day 22 of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas. Please share this with your network and remind people that there is certainly more to the holidays than the hustle and bustle or stress of shopping.

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim

Day 21 of #Tims25Days of Christmas 2011

3 weeks in and we are nearly the end of Tim’s 25 Days of Christmas. 21 days of support. 21 days of sharing this project. 21 days of donations. And 21 days of Christmas Spirit. Today’s Christmas Video is dedicated to someone who has been supporting and donating to the campaign since its inception, last year in 2010. Based on her suggestion, this video goes out to Cheryl for her suggestions on charities to feature, her continued support and donations.

The Charity of the day is one that has been suggested to me countless times. Now you can’t say that I don’t love the animals too.  My $5.00 donation is going to support the SPCA.  You can match my contribution HERE: http://bcspca.ca/branches/vancouver/

Thanks again for another fantastic week of Christmas Joy and Giving.  Please share this with everyone in your network and help make the last few days of the campaign the biggest yet!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours,

Tim