a day of christmas "firsts"

we had the idea several weeks ago.  to give all the boys some spending money, take them shopping, and ask them to spend all of it on another person.

one of the coolest things we've ever done.

we received a donation from some friends in order to make it possible.

we drew names.

we went shopping.

it turned out to be way more special than we had anticipated.  we couldn't have imagined how much the boys would enjoy buying for one another.  they were careful and creative in the items they chose.  they had a blast.

every single one of them that i asked told me that they had never bought a christmas gift for a friend before.  i think thats what made the event so special for me.

then we came back to the academy to decorate a tree and wrap gifts.  another "first" for all the boys.

WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO FROM THE DAY OF FIRSTS!!