The holiday season is often associated with cherished traditions, heartwarming gestures, and connecting with loved ones. But for Emmaline Childs, a 40-year-old marketing communications manager from Minneapolis, a unique and unexpected tradition has unfolded over the past seven years: receiving Christmas cards from a family she’s never met.
This heartwarming story began in 2016 when Childs and her family celebrated their first Christmas in their new home. Amidst the festive cheer, a holiday card arrived from an unfamiliar family residing in Iowa. Initially, Childs dismissed it as a simple mistake, assuming the senders were unaware that the previous homeowners had moved. However, year after year, the card continued to arrive, becoming an unexpected and cherished part of Childs’ holiday season.
A Window into Another Family’s Life
For the first few years, Childs admits she didn’t give the card much thought. But as time went on, the annual arrival of the card became something she genuinely looked forward to. “It wasn’t until the fourth or fifth year that I started looking forward to the card’s arrival,” Childs shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. “I wish I had the foresight to know how much the cards from this family would come to mean to me!”
The cards offered a glimpse into the lives of this unknown family, documenting their milestones and growth. Childs witnessed their eldest daughter transform from a baby to an 8-year-old, and the family expand to include three children. “Each card tells a story, and seeing their family grow has been heartwarming,” Childs remarked. She even knows the names of each family member, except for the mother who pens the card in the first person, affectionately referring to her as “the mom.”
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From a Simple Card to a Viral Sensation
Recognizing the universal appeal of holiday traditions and the declining trend of sending cards, Childs decided to share her unique experience on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 167,000 views and sparking a wave of comments from users who shared similar stories. “The Internet is such a wild place — you never know what will resonate with people,” Childs said of the unexpected viral fame. “It was incredible to see how quickly the video took off.” The response highlighted the power of connection and the enduring significance of seemingly small gestures.
Respecting Boundaries and Embracing the Mystery
Despite the widespread interest and encouragement from online commentators, Childs has chosen not to contact the family or send a card in return. Although she cherishes the annual tradition, she hasn’t sent out holiday cards herself in nearly a decade, citing the busyness of life and prioritizing other tasks during the holiday season. “I understand some people might wonder why I didn’t just return the card to the sender so it could reach the intended family,” Childs explains. “My hope is that the sender and recipient families are connected in other ways — through social media or real-life updates — and that this tradition has continued to bring happiness to everyone involved.”
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A Hope for the Future and a Reminder of What Matters
As this heartwarming tradition continues, Childs expresses a desire to witness the children grow up, achieve their dreams, and see how their story unfolds. “I want to see these kids continue to grow — get their driver’s licenses, maybe go to college or land their dream careers,” she shares. “At this point, I feel like I’m in the middle of their story and want to hear how it ends!”
Childs’ story serves as a poignant reminder that small acts of kindness and connection can have a profound impact. “I hope it reminds people that these small, thoughtful gestures matter,” she reflects. “Something like this could be seen as an inconvenience… But in reality, I love getting the card each year.” This unexpected holiday tradition underscores the enduring power of human connection and the magic that can unfold when we embrace the unexpected. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from the most unexpected places.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emmaline Childs’ Story
Q: How did Emmaline Childs’ story become public?
A: Childs shared her experience in a TikTok video, which unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 167,000 views.
Q: Has Emmaline Childs tried to contact the family sending the cards?
A: No, Childs has chosen to respect the family’s privacy and has not attempted to contact them.
Q: Why doesn’t Emmaline Childs return the card to sender?
A: Childs believes the families are likely connected in other ways and hopes the tradition brings them joy. She doesn’t want to interfere with their connection.
Q: How long has Emmaline Childs been receiving the Christmas cards?
A: Childs has been receiving the cards for seven years, starting in 2016 when her family moved into their current home.
Q: What does Emmaline Childs hope for the future of this tradition?
A: Childs hopes to continue receiving the cards and witness the children in the family grow up and achieve their dreams. She sees herself as a part of their ongoing story.
