To help my local food bank find the link below. dons.restosduc... Or alternatively make a donation to your own local food bank this Christmas. Any amount will make a difference in these difficult times. Merry Christmas
As someone who speaks English as a second language (and currently learning French), I appreciate it so much when Florian asks how to say this, how to say that. Please Florian, don't ever feel bad or embarrassed to ask, knowledge is always something positive!
Well done! My sons are adults and for the past several years they have decided instead of exchanging gifts they would donate that money to a local oil company to provide heat to some of those who cannot afford to heat their homes. The oil company matched their donations. Their friends also contributed also. I couldn’t be more proud of them
What a lovely idea. I usually make a small monthly donation when I make my payment. But making a Christmas donation instead of giving gifts is a brilliant idea. Especially as after our huge winter blunder last winter back in February when we lost all power in Texas. We lived without NO power during the most coldest time, no heat. Texas, mainly down south of Texas are not use to cold weather. We get a day of cold or cold mornings and by lunchtime it’s warm again. So now our electric bill will be increase for infrastructure. So this gift will be such a great idea.
Yes, I really never thought of after the holidays of families who may have done so much for their families for the holidays. Then holidays are over and they have the bills to deal with. So Michael this is such a beautiful gift.
You did the right thing Michael.....times are hard right now for many....what a blessing. Merry Christmas Michael and wish you the best in the New Year!!
Mum and I used to go to the food bank, it is difficult this time of year, we saved all the time, but there was never enough to do everything, and this is close to my heart thank you.
This is fantastic. As someone who has experienced poverty raising two children, there is a lot of guilt that one lives with when suddenly and unexpectedly needing to rely on food banks or other supports. It can ruin not only those holidays where you are experiencing poverty, but it does something to how you feel about them from there on. The stigma makes it much worse. I'm very happy to see you setting the example of prioritizing giving to the community when we are in a position to do so. Hope you have a gorgeous holiday. Thank you for taking us along with you 😊
Michael inspired me too . Just contacted my friends who we meet up every Xmas and said instead of buying a gift we would do this . Everyone thought what a good idea !
I have been on both sides.... When I was 18 (1981) I was homeless. I live in Ohio. It was very cold that winter, and I can tell you that living outside or trying to find places to get out of the cold was very hard to do. Warmth is one of the things I hold dear now. Now I am on the side where I can give money every year to help others, feed the homeless, give money for Toys for tots, etc...... I have such compassion for anyone in the cold or hungry, because I know how it feels. Also when I was a child our family didn't have much at all. My dad was a hard working man with 2 jobs and working on cars on the weekends, but we still had it hard....They didn't have Toys for Tots then , but the Nuns would bring us nicely used gifts and we were ecstatic..... The Nuns made it Christmas for my brothers, sister, and I every year and whatever my parents could get. The nuns would come to our house in their habits and carrying bags full of gifts. They were like angels.
Michael, this is a beautiful thought. We rely upon the generosity of my sons school to assist us with food. This takes place every two months supplying family basics, pasta, canned food and fresh vegetables. A beautiful gesture. I'm so proud of you... ❤🇦🇺
I love this. Christmas gifts should just be thoughtful little things, a homemade treat, a bottle of wine. Save the gifts for the kids. That’s the magic for me. And I love the idea of donating to the food bank. I’m going to do this in future because we are so blessed already. Merry Christmas!
You’re one of my favorite real people on the internet. And today’s vlog demonstrates why. Like you I’ve known hard times, and it does something to you, it humbles you and makes you tangibly aware of what it’s like to be less fortunate when the holiday season comes. I’ve scaled down on holiday gifts, only something symbolic for the adults, real presents from Santa Clause are for children. Growing up my mum always whent entirely overboard with gifts and it all snowballed to the point the pile of gifts outdid the tree and it took absolutely forever to open everything and dominated the entire evening (we opened them on Christmas Eve after dinner). So my brother and I have both focused on other aspects of Christmas which shouldn’t be focused on the material world or stress but about being together relaxed and joyfully and the wonder of the magical wide eyed hopeful innocent perspective that children see life, the future and the world from. Nothing is more precious than this, and being able to spend some time with your loved ones in front of a warm fire, with something good to eat and drink and appreciate amd celebrate what really matters in our lives, and living in peace. All my happy childhood memories are not of what was inside boxes, but opening one or two, and mostly it’s the music, the candle light, flowers, the scents, the sweets and making things, doing things together, like cutting gingerbread cookies, decorating the tree, making a snowman, and having my people and animals young and old around me. As an adult on the Christmases I knew I’d be more or less alone I’ve volunteered at charities for less fortunate and gained some of my most hearftfelt Christmas memories in return. I really appreciate your realness, and the love you pour into all the Xmas projects you do! Merry Christmas! ❤️💫🙏
Well done. More people need to think this way. A little less "me, myself and I", a few less pair of shoes and handbags that hang in cupboards like trophies.
It's always best to donate cash, the agencies can get more food with the money! Merry Christmas to You and Your Family, Michael!! Also, Merry Christmas, Florian!!!
They can often even get good deals in bulk or commercial business prices, so it goes farther to feed people than the individual donor’s dollar would at the store. People should definitely be made aware that it’s the best option
I am so thrilled you got little Ernest some gifts! He came looking and when he did not see anything under your tree, he was ready to go home! He will be thrilled to get a gift! I am 74 and a great grandmother but am still thrilled to see the little ones get gifts! Blessings and Merry Christmas to a thoughtful uncle and friend! 🎄❄️❄️🎄
Florian is such a special person. His mum was wonderfully caring and proud of her son. You've found a lovely friend there Michael and so good of you to respect him and buy him those lovely trainers. You are also such a good egg x
The true spirit of giving is a wonderful thing and I am proud of you Michael! My husband and I have been donating to our local food bank since the pandemic began. Bless you, Stephanie and everyone else who helps those in need and those who are kind to animals and their fellow humans. Everyone can do their part to make the world a better place for us all!
Each Christmas I give our grown children a card letting them know that they have gifted a family a flock of chickens, ducks or geese through Heifer International which gives a family a resource that will feed them and provide a source of income. 🎁🎁
I 100% love your gift (and Stephanie's) to the food bank. So many forget that others don't have a Happy Christmas in any sort of way. Bless you and have a Happy Day with family. :)
Wow, such a lovely thoughtful gift to those who need it most. Being an unexpected recent single parent to 4 children and no longer being able to work due to a chronic illness I know how tough the last couple of years have been but so far we have survived it. Donations like yours and Stephanie's will make life a little easier for alot of people. Thank you so much. This made me cry as I'm an emotional wreck at the moment after having to cancel our family Christmas for the second year running due to me and my middle son testing positive to covid. Thankfully my twins are still negative so they are fine. Wishing everyone here a very merry Christmas along with a happy, healthy, prosperous and hopefully covid free New year. 💖Xxx
That's very commendable of you Michael. Merry Christmas to you, your friend, your family and all viewers of this amazing channel.💙 Love Santa Clause and the toy doggie.
What a brilliant video.Billy dressing up as Santa and buying Florian new trainers.Best of all was giving the food bank a substantial donation.I can relate to people using food banks as I myself was on a low wage years ago & struggled to feed myself and my daughter though at that time there was no food banks.A 100% respect to you for doing that.
Lovely. Michael it is usually better to give money as food banks can do better than supermarket prices. I have worked with several over the years. Thank you for noticing and donating. Merry Christmas to all the Pethericks and friends.
That was so much fun! Florian is such a nice guy. Michael’s baking is great. Donations are a fabulous gift 🎁. Santa Billy was hilarious 🎅 Merry Christmas to all from Toronto 🇨🇦😊
Yes, truly thoughtful, and satisfying in a deep way ! I loved seeing Florian’s mother with her darling accessories and spritely ways. Enough sausage ☑️ (your mother looked so pretty, by the way) a dancing dog ☑️ (Ernest talking to Santa Claus ♥️♥️♥️♥️) and the latest shoes for dear Florian 😍 that’s the Spirit 🙏🏻🌟🎄♥️✨
And the ending of this vlog is exactly what means the most at Christmas, laughter, family, silliness and the sweet children. I love watching you and Florian interact while you bake, cook, go to the market, and drive in the car. He is so kind and soft spoken and I believe he enjoys learning new things from you. This was so much fun and Billy was great!!! Merry Christmas, Michael and your whole family!💕
Same here, I love watching those simple things. But I love watching Michael cook, bake, etc.. I am in wonder how skilled he is in that area. Amazing to me. I am not a cook at all, so get jelly watching his skills. 🥰
Michael you made me cry happy /sad tears.. your donation to help others is very kind. So many people go without at the holidays. I make sausage rolls as well.. i take the casing off breakfast sausage.. add a few more spices and roll it up with puff pastry.. This year my daughterr bought maple sausage instead of regular sausage. The sausage rolls turned out so good. Merry Christmas to you and Florian. 🎅🎄
What a truly beautiful thing to do. As someone who has needed to rely on Foodbank, I have to say this made me very emotional. Bless you for your kindness. Merry Christmas xx
This is so wonderful! When I was growing up, we would adopt a family to get gifts and food and other stuff for at Christmas and it brought so many smiles to all! This is the true meaning of Christmas.❤️ And Billy Claus flipping the bird.....😂🤣😂🤣
Me too Michael I have been in a very tight spot as a single mom. Blessings to you for this. Your touching Hearts 💙 & inspiring the world. Big Hug to you & Stephanie!
Michael and Stephanie, I watched a lot of so called influencers, and not one, not one made a vlogmas about giving! Only buying, buying and promoting brands! And I was so sad, just how petty people are! Except Stephanie with her charity channel and Isabelle and Percy last year, carrying those heavy buckets to give to poor people in South Africa, of course! That moved me to tears, last year! And now, you and Stephanie!!! I have no words!!!! There is a reason why you are my favourite and loved ones on You Tube! Thank you for doing this, it is beautiful!!! You are amazing!🥰❤💫
I have 7 grandchildren so I probably went overboard on presents this year. Your generosity humbled me so I will be donating to our local food bank and following your example next Christmas.
Merry Christmas Michael! With your monetary donation the food bank has the capability of buying food in bulk and will go much further. Thank you for your generosity!🎄🤶🎅
Michael! how wonderful of you to donate funds to feed the hungry. This is the most gracious way of showing love to give to others. We give to several food banks on a monthly basis as well and take canned goods to some of my society organization meetings. This year my family giving is to MAPs in Brunswick, Georgia USA. MAPs distributes medicines worldwide. The meds are provided by the pharmaceutical companies before expiration dates and they are given to MAPs at a discount, and MAPs flies and ships the meds to their local associates in each country worldwide. They are online if anyone is interested in giving to MAPs. Sending Merry Christmas wishes to you and those you hold dear. You are such a delight and a joy to me and to so many. Love the cooking segments and of course your music is fantastic. Your production and filming are superb! The cottage is coming along nicely. Hugs, Bren
I like having Florian in your vlogs and showing him learning English. I’ve learned French words and pronunciation from your conversations. Great vlog Michael. This had a little bit of everything and laughter at the end is great.
very good idea I watch Peregrine falcon cam where the birds nest on a sky scraper and we see them build the nest then wait for eggs , then hatchlings, and as they grow it's awesome
Bless you, Michael. That was genuine and thoughtful of you. I, too, have been in that position and it means a lot. A very Merry Christmas to you, Florian and all of the Pethericks 🎅🏻🎄☃️❤️
You are lucky Michael and your family, you are in a very good position to help people and animals you all are living well and fortunate, a nice good deed from you to give, well done!! X
I'm 3 min. 30seconds in and in Tears Michael. Thank you for doing this for those who have so little. I was a recipient of a food Hamper from our local Cheer Board this year and I plan to give back after Christmas too. Thanks for keeping it Real this year. Now I'll wipe my face and continue watching. Merry Christmas to you and your family from over here in Canada. Joyeux Noel to Florian. Hugs to Bertie and Teetee. Love, Richard. Lah!
I just watched this and teared up. I always thought you were a wonderful person, but that donation was something special. The world needs more Pethricks!
You have such a tender heart. I love your gift to the food pantry. I'm in the US and have often paid meals of others in restaurants. Happy Christmas Michael. Love from Kentucky, USA.
There are going to be food banks in Stephanie's area too. Glad you are doing this. The poor have pets too that can use food and medicine. Happy holidays
Such a generous gift to the food bank it will help so much (plus it saves a lot of wrapping paper!) You and Stephanie will be helping so many more people than your immediate family. Happy Christmas!
Michael you are a star ⭐️. You have such a tender and generous heart ❤️. I wish you, your lovely partner and all of your family a magical Christmas and the very best of New Years. Xxxxx
Michael bless your soul for donating to the less fortunate. You have a lovely family, I adore your mom. Nearly cracked myself with Santa and Ernest 😂😂😂 That was precious!
Aww Michael you have a heart of gold. I’m sure the family will understand and a lovely touch you bought for Ernest. You’re right kids don’t understand. Merry Christmas darling and hope you find love very soon xxx 😘 ❤️🌲⛄️🤶💕🎁 oh and Michael you are funny about Santa x
What a great reminder to us to look out for the less fortunate.....and there are always less fortunate. Anyone else feel challenged to seek out a local food bank to help in their holiday efforts? I know I do.
I visited a nursing home this year and discovered how many seniors don’t have family visiting them during this time of the year. I had a blast talking and visiting with my Aunt. I didn’t do gifts as I don’t have the budget for it but donated to the local food banks and there really are many alternatives to traditional gift giving that is so satisfying to the heart. Michael, this was very refreshing and I just loved what you did! Awesome! I also love Indian Love Call by Slim Whitman. Lol. True story!❤️❤️❤️. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Growing up, we would go ding Christmas carols at nursing homes. You reminded me that their are forgotten people there. Next year, I will pick one and go do something special. Hmmm...maybe be Mrs Claus and take a small gift and go visit?? TY
@@barbibutton9619 Brilliant idea! You’d be a superb Mrs. Claus. People just love when you share your time and just listen and speak with them casually. Hope your holidays are going well? New Years is next. Enjoy!
I believe that is a fabulous gift and your family will love it! I do the same with my local food bank through out the year! Omg Billy as Santa was great! Merry Christmas
That was such a lovely gesture to provide for those less fortunate in your area, Christmas can be such a tough time for many. On another subject, I think you and Florian would make a great couple. 🥰
Merry Christmas Michael and Florian!!! Truly a kind gesture you have done Michael...I too have been "in the waiting line"... it is good that we have lesser times and then better times. It gives a better and more loving connection to those who do not have. So thank you Michael for helping those who have less this year...it is a good thing to pass along our blessings...hopefully the blessings will then continue on. Joy to you there from Richmond, Virginia here. 💕
You really touched me with your generosity, Michael. I actually teared up within the first four minutes of this video. Well done. Your family must be so proud of you.
Awww, Santa was great! I loved as he bobbed around peeking through the window! And his goodbye "wave" to you was hilarious! Merry Christmas to you all at Basmaignee.
Happy Christmas Michael! Love your choice of Christmas gifts, it's a wonderful gesture by helping the food banks! Florin is so cute. He seems like a great friend. Big Hugs from the States!! MUAH!!!!!
You found the true spirit of Christmas the moment you decided to donate to the food bank. So kind of Stephanie to match your gift. Florian is delightful, thank you both for a joyful vlog🎄🙏🏼❤️
The true spirit of Christmas ,Michael .♥️ You are such a thoughtful and generous person. Merry Christmas ! Santa Billy was hilarious! 🎄🎁 with love from New Hampshire ,USA
I laughed at you laughing at Billy soo funny. I would jut lie to say Michael well done for thinking of other people that are not so well off as others. With todays bills rising they find this time of year very hard. I also donate . The sausage rolls looked yummy. Merry Christmas to you xx
Michael you are kind and wise.Thank you for sharing your Christmas gift idea for your family.The money you donate will be a great blessing to many! Merry Christmas from Vermont
Thank you so much for doing this Michael. That’s what Christmas is all about! Pay it forward! Giving is so much better than receiving! Cheers from Alabama 🥂🍾
God bless you Michael. You have captured the true spirit of Christmas. Whatsoever You Do to the Least of My Brothers You Do unto Me-Matthew 25;31-46 Pax Christi 🙏
That was fantastic and I love what you did by giving to the needy that was sweet and very unselfish. Florian likes his new sneakers in the food looked delicious and thank you Santa Claus and making a little boy happy. Thank you for another great video merry Christmas🎄
