20 Years of Making Wishes Happen
This year marks the 20th year of Jolly Holiday Lights, a Des Moines tradition that begins every year right after Thanksgiving.
Not only does the event showcase 3.5 miles of beautiful, (and sometimes silly per my 2 year old) lighted displays, it also raises money for Make-A-Wish Iowa. Through this event alone, more than 638 children with life-threatening illnesses and chronic diseases have been able to go on amazing trips and have positive experiences that are much needed retreats from their daily struggles.
For my family, Jolly Holiday Lights is an annual event. And when I say event, I mean it.
As soon as Christmas lights start appearing on houses in our neighborhood, my 5 year old asks daily when we get to go see the ‘holly jolly holiday lights.’
On the night we plan to go, we rush home from crazy days at work and school, toss the kids into their pajamas and load them into the car. We drive through the lights with Christmas music blaring, sucking on candy canes, and calling out which lighted display is our favorite.
I also can’t help but count my own blessings as I read the stories of the families who have benefited from the Make-A-Wish foundation along the route. We, along with so many others, hope to make a small impact in the life of just one family with our annual drive through the lights each year.
I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful 2016!
