The Ritz-Carlton holds several "Sugar Plum Teas" during the month of December. These teas coordinate with performance times of The Nutcracker Ballet which is held just around the corner from the Ritz. It's a thoroughly festive occasion for children and adults alike. This year the Ritz added a new activity to this event: making ornaments for charity. My friend, Joy, had approached the Ritz with the idea of making ornaments to decorate a tree that would be donated to a homeless shelter. The Ritz loved the idea and Joy got busy organizing volunteers and craft supplies.

I met Joy back in September. She had just started her charity, Catching Joy, devoted to promoting volunteerism in young children. Joy achieves this through a variety of charitable activities all geared towards children helping others. Her goal is to influence young people in such a way that they will grow up to be productive, compassionate, and happy adults. What a wonderful mission! For more information go to www.catchingjoy.org

While Joy is busy running her charity and chasing after her son, she occasionally needs a craft idea for an event. Joy is definitely an artsy mommy, but even the most creative mommy needs an idea once in a while. When she emailed me with her need for Christmas Ornament ideas my mind immediately jumped into high gear. I had this idea for a clothespin ballerina (with tutu, of course!). I made a sample of the ballerina and a couple of other ideas and sent them off to Joy. They were approved by the Ritz and we were in business. Not once did she complain about how much the supplies were costing her or how many hours she spent cutting out foam core stars! She was dedicated. The vision of a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree being delivered to a homeless shelter kept everything in perspective.

What I witnessed at these "Sugar Plum Teas" was truly heart-warming. These children completely embraced the idea of making ornaments, not to take home, but instead to hang on a tree for someone else. These unselfish acts enriched the whole experience for both children and adults. The spirit of giving was present and everyone could feel it. Children beamed with a sense of pride, not possession, about their creations. They felt the joy of giving and in return they got a taste of true Christmas. Even the Grinch would have recognized what was happening.

Catching Joy's mission statement states "Catching Joy brings joy to the recipients. Catching Joy brings double the joy to the givers. Catching Joy starts with children. Catching Joy is contagious." These lucky children learned an important lesson that day, and I was reminded about the giving nature of children. My Christmas was complete, and I am so grateful to have been included in these events.

The Ritz has asked Joy to be a part of next year's "Sugar Plum Teas." I'm already planning the ornaments. Hmmm…I'm picturing a jewel tone color scheme…