Our new holiday tradition started with a chore.

If there’s one thing my kids dread each fall, it’s picking up the pecans in our backyard. Every weekend, as the giant tree sheds its endless bounty, I’m met with groans, sighs, and dramatic proclamations of how unfair life is.

But this year, something shifted. What was once a chore became an unexpected gift—and a new holiday tradition was born.

It started when my housekeeper asked if he could have some of our pecans. He didn’t have time to gather them, and I thought, “Of course! My kids would love to help.” (Well, love might be a stretch.)

That weekend, armed with rakes and bags, we set out into the yard. As we worked, something surprising happened. The chore became…FUN! The kids laughed and raced to see who could collect the most pecans. I grabbed my phone, capturing the moment as they transformed this tedious task into something lighter, almost joyful.

As we filled a gigantic bowl, I had an idea: Maybe others would enjoy these pecans, too.

A chore into a gift

I found some leftover cellophane bags and ribbon, and we started bagging up the pecans. As we worked, my husband said, “Didn’t we just meet some neighbors at the Diwali party who mentioned they don’t have pecan trees? Let’s bring them a bag!”

In minutes, we had handwritten a note, tied a bow, and piled into the car to deliver the pecans before running some errands (otherwise we would have walked!)

When we pulled up to their house, they were outside putting up Christmas decorations. It was serendipitous. We reintroduced ourselves, handed them the bag, and wished them a Merry Christmas. Their reaction—so touched—lit all of us up. My kids waved from the car, and I stood there with chills, realizing just how powerful this small gesture was.

What began as a dreaded chore had become a meaningful moment of connection.

Giving starts small

Not long after that, I had a conversation with a friend who was searching for volunteer opportunities her whole family could participate in during the holidays. She wanted to teach her kids the value of giving back but felt overwhelmed by where to start.

Her words struck a chord with me, and I shared our pecan story. “You don’t have to wait for the perfect volunteer opportunity,” I told her. “Sometimes giving starts small, with what you already have.”

For us, that was pecans. For someone else, it might be a rosemary plant in their garden, a recipe they love to share, or simply a handwritten note. We actually posted a Holiday Gift Guide for Sunny and shared a few videos (linked below) of these team-inspired ideas, my pecans included! This was a pinch-me moment, when my home and work life are beautifully intertwined ✨

These small, heartfelt gestures are so meaningful, and will grow into more traditional volunteering and ways of giving as your family grows.

Our new family tradition

Since that afternoon, and after buying a box of nutcrackers to add to the bags, our family is excited to embrace this as a new holiday tradition! Each year, we will collect, bag, and give these pecans away—not just to neighbors but to our mail carrier, teachers, and even strangers who could use a little kindness.

Our New Holiday Tradition:

It’s a way to turn what was once a chore into a practice of gratitude and connection.

If you’re looking for ways to give back as a family, remember this: it doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Start with what you already have. A small gesture—like a bag of pecans or a simple note—can spark joy and create moments of connection that ripple far beyond your own backyard.

This holiday season, I hope you find your own way to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Who knows? You might even create a new tradition in the process.

✨ Here’s to finding the magic in small moments, giving with intention, and embracing the beauty of connection. ✨

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