Note from the Director of Programming: The season of giving

In this hazy week following Hannukah and Christmas before we ring in the new year, I’m savoring the peacefulness, the cessation of email demands, and the chance to enjoy family time. I’m taking in the beauty of the holiday lights and the simple pleasure of the leftover cookies made for Santa that are covered in too much icing and half a container of sprinkles.

In the season of giving, the ACDIS staff came together last week for a virtual holiday party and participated in a Secret Santa exchange. Instead of gifts, we donated on behalf of favorite charities—and our parent company matched the donations. As each Secret Santa revealed who they had donated for, the person was able to share why the charity was meaningful for them. It was an incredible learning experience as many of our colleagues had deep connections to these charities. There were tears shed and laughs shared, and we all felt a little closer to each other, while feeling the joy of giving.

Whatever holiday you celebrate—or none—I hope you all had a chance to feel the joy of giving and notice the peacefulness of the season. I also encourage you to pause and enjoy the quiet before the new year officially rings in and we are back to full-speed living.

On behalf of ACDIS, happy holidays and very best wishes for a happy, healthy, and rewarding new year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Editor’s note: Hendren is the director of programming for ACDIS. Contact her at rhendren@acdis.org.