I haven’t really been in the Christmas spirit this whole month. Last weekend, I went to see “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at the theater, and that put me a little closer, but still not in full Christmas mode. I don’t know if it’s because it hasn’t snowed much (yet) or what it is exactly, but I was starting to think that my Christmas spirit wasn’t going to fully hit until it was actually Christmas day. That completely changed tonight.

Working this cops beat has been an interesting ride so far. I’ll admit, most of the stories I write aren’t glamorous and are usually written with negative connotation. Tonight, was completely different. Tonight, I traveled with 14 officers and 12 children ages 2-10 and their families to go Christmas shopping. This event is called “Shopping with Heroes” and it truly brought the meaning of Christmas to life.

At first, the children seemed a little hesitant to interact with the police officers, but after a few minutes, they warmed up and were laughing and playing. They had no idea Santa was surprising them. After they got their picture taken with Santa, they all loaded up in various police cars and took off toward Meijer to do some Christmas shopping. I walked around with different officers and I was amazed with how involved they were with each child. There was a little 10-year-old who had her heart set on a jean jacket, I searched each rack with her and even though we were unsuccessful, we did manage to find her two stylish outfits while making fun of the officer for not knowing what leggings were, but he did try.

These officers taking the time to make this night special for the children was an incredible thing to witness. Watching their little faces light up as they worked together to find their gifts and load up their carts is what Christmas is all about. Christmas isn’t about how much you do or do not have, it is completely about giving, and this was the best reminder tonight.

Steal my look tonight: Venus top: Venus.com, White Jeans: For All Mankind