A Kansas businessman is making spirits bright and continuing a 21-year-long Christmas tradition by helping provide meals to those in need – even while going through a battle with his own health. 'This has been such a special time, and we really couldn't have done all of this without the community,' Shawn Holiday, co-owner and wife of Doug Holiday, said, describing their family tradition. 'But our boys, this is all they've ever known since they were little.
Doug Holiday has battled Non-Hodgskin's lymphoma and melanoma cancer in the past. Despite his health battles, Doug said this tradition with his family and the community is what he looks forward to most every holiday season. 'It means the world to me. It really does and makes it so special for me I can't describe it, it's a very emotional time,' Doug Holiday said.
All the boys have grown up. What is amazing is that when we first started this in 2004, it would take 4 to 5 hours probably for us to prepare the turkeys and get them ready for the smoker. And it's taking less and less time now that they've grown,' Doug shared. 'It's been very, very satisfying for me to know that my sons care and want to help. It's something I look forward to every year.