It’s a Merry Christmas…Street Corner?

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a wonderful time to take a step back from rushing around the malls and smile at all the people doing amazing things for others this holiday season. Going down to Florida for this Spotlight, Rollins College student Mark Gagnon decided to make a family of strangers this Christmas in downtown Orlando. 

Mark decided to bring his living room out to a street corner, fully furnished with couches, a Christmas tree, a fireplace, family photos, and…Christmas gifts! This cozy set up caught loads of people’s attention, and those intrigued enough to stop by and say hello were happily surprised with a gift to take home. 

Mark’s welcoming invitation brought along several strangers who shared stories about favorite memories over the years during the holiday season. From heartfelt stories of spending Christmas with grandparents, to decorating for the first time for a foster child, to best Christmases with moms, it’s amazing how the one thing all these strangers had in common wasn’t what gift they loved the most, but their love and thanks for family when it comes to Christmas. 

There’s nothing like the light and fun feeling of being a kid again, and this is exactly what Mark was able to give others this year. Thank you for reminding us all how grateful we are for our families, and how even a stranger on the street can be a new friend and someone to make smile.

Watch the full video here!

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