Around the Christmas season, we often go in search of uplifting stories that help us feel the holiday spirit. East Idaho has a “Secret Santa” who has been giving away generously large amounts of money to those in need. This heartwarming event has been occurring for the last eight years during the Christmas season and has returned this year with over one million dollars to help across the community!
Nate Eaton, the news director for East Idaho News, is the face of the operation as he and his elves travel to provide those chosen with a surprise of personally curated gifts, seeking to help them get back on their feet. East Idaho News explains that the Secret Santa, “looks for responsible and deserving people who have done everything in their power to care for themselves but ill fortune or unfortunate situations have put them at a significant disadvantage”. Most gifts include items like washers and dryers, furniture, computers, dental care, diapers, and grocery cards.
Many of these relief-filled moments are filmed and shared on the news’ website for everyone to enjoy and as a reminder to spread love around this season. Although they do not accept any donations, since it is entirely funded by this mysterious Santa, they do ask that you nominate someone and seek to help others during this winter season.
When asked about how the tradition of Secret Santa, or something similar, helped their communities, two Skyline High School students explained that their participation in such events “built bonds” and how the “gift of freely giving, without wanting anything in return, embodies the true spirit of Christmas”. One of them warned that letting traditions get in the way of kindness is a mistake you don’t want to make, explaining, “ People use it [white elephant] as an excuse to give mean things to others for laughs”. They went on to say that the act of “giving something that no one wants” defeats the purpose of giving a gift. “Instead,” they implored, “ be the kind of person that gives others what you want to have, whether that is kindness or a physical gift”. The act of giving should be one of sacrifice, in order to help someone else.
With that in mind, and Christmas closing in, try to take the advice of our Secret Santa, to find ways to help others. To quote a Christmas Classics, Miracle on 34th Street, “ Christmas isn’t a day, it’s a frame of mind”. As the new year starts to begin, search for a way to keep Christmas with you.
