Genma Holmes on The Tom Joyner Morning Show 2016

Genma Stringer Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control, author, and host of Living Your Best Life Radio will return to Tom Joyner Morning Show's Inside Her Story with Jacque Reid on Friday, December 23, 2016 to talk all things Christmas!

This segment has become a tradition for Ms. Santa who believes in helping others not only at Christmas but year round. We will talk to choosing last minute gifts for children that includes hot toys that will not break the bank. Ms. Santa aka Genma also encourages ways to back, building traditions by serving others and supporting non-profits that have proven track records for making a difference!

Use you time, talent and treasure to help others. Visit www.livingtogivenow.com to support non-profits to serve communities in the Nashville area and beyond. Join Ms. Santa for her 12 Days of Christmas to support Nia House Montessori Christmas Wish List.

Genma Holmes Talks Christmas and Volunteering to Jacque Reid on the TJMS

For several years, I have spoken to Jacque Reid on the Tom Joyner Morning Show about my role about as Ms. Santa. Each year, we have discussed the trendy toys and how to give back to others during the holiday season. Tune in to hear us share about www.livingtogivenow.com

Our time is the most important treasure we can give to anyone. Our volunteer time goes a long way in a child's life and makes a difference in their formative years. I volunteer to read to children as often as I can. During the holidays, it is my number one gift I give. Along with reading to children from all backgrounds, I give elementary schools books that shows positive images of African Americans. Baby Santa And the Missing Reindeer is a wonderful book that reflects diversity that is perfect to read this time of year.

Eastside Story presented Ms.Santa this book by author M. Maitland DeLand

Ms. Santa and her annual visit to Nia House Montessori

The season's hottest toy items are still the basic. Some thing never change. Girls and women are embracing dolls more and more and toy manufacturers are answering the call to make dolls that inspire our girls to be the best they can be.

www.prettybrowngirl.com

The Pretty Brown Dolls sold by the Pretty Brown Foundation are as cute as their owners. I recommend this doll because of the work of the The Pretty Brown Foundation. The Pretty Brown Foundation is a movement that empowers and inspires girls and women to celebrate their shades of brown with a simple yet powerful message. By developing positive self esteem, confidence and leadership, girls are empowered to dream their biggest dreams and live the lives that they imagine for themselves. 

For women who are young at heart or doll collector, the Ava DuVernay Barbie doll by Mattel, if one can be found! Proceeds from the doll goes to a charity. 

With the push to get kids moving again, bikes and skates, should be at the top of the list for boys and girls alike. Riding a bike helps kids get unwired from technology and gives them much needed excersie. Many family are taking biking trips, the Christmas break is a good time to take a trip that will allow riding together. Don't forget to get helmets as well.

Speaking of exercise, women are asking for FitBit to track their steps. This would make a perfect for adults who are seeking to get healthy in 2016. 

The hoover boards are the rage teens for teens. They can be pricey.

As Ms. Santa,  I am a giver. But even without my suit, I love to see "Black Gives Back." Look for non-profits that are doing amazing works and good deeds in your community and send them a check or find ways to volunteer. I am involved with non-profits that help make the world a brighter place, especially in the arts community. 

 
One of my favorites is the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Gifting a membership to a family or individual is an awesome year round gift that will used often. Everyone can write a check at the end. It does not have to be a large amount. But every dollar counts.

Lastly, this was busy year for me behind the scenes with many wonderful endeavors to serve others. Two that will stay with me for years to come were seeing my friend Lt. Colonel Daphne Young being recognized for her service to our country. To often, we leave our women who serve out of recognition programs for the military and veteans. It was an honor to watch her peers, sorority sisters, and other organizations particpate in her surprise retirement ceromony. The beauty of being Ms. Santa is the spirit of giving last year round.

The other special moment happened this month. I spent the time at Ty's House in Franklin, TN. Ty's House was named in honor of Ty Osman, II. Ty gave the gift of life by being an organ donor. Many individuals are alive because of him. I am encouraging everyone to give the gift of life by registering to become an organ donor.

Genma Holmes' Christmas Eve Visit on the Tom Joyner Morning Show

Genma Stringer Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control, author, and host of Living Your Best Life Radio will be on the Tom Joyner Morning Showing's Inside Her Story with Jacque Reid on Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Genma will discuss being Ms. Santa in Nashville for nearly ten years.

Genma started visiting day-cares, elementary schools, and nursing homes that used her pest control services as a fun way to give back to her customers during the holidays as Ms. Santa. As the years passed, she she was invited to visit the sick and shut in in hospitals who were not her customers. When her younger son became a Marine, many military families and the veteran community embraced her during the holidays as well as Ms. Santa.

Genma collects toys for young children, items for seniors and veterans year round from her customers who own businesses. In November and December, Genma visits schools and day-cares reading to them in her Santa Suit to show the spirit Christmas. Urban Outlook with April Eaton, a lifestyle regional CBS affiliate talk show, gives Genma a segment to discuss her work and give practical advice on buying toys for children that actually last beyond the holidays, educational, and age appropriate.

"It is no secret I sing Christmas songs year round," Genma said in a recent interview. She continued, "I am on mission to spread the love we feel, the joy in our hearts, the willingness to serve others at Christmastime year round. I hope it spurs individuals on to give a little more of themselves to help set examples for the next generation.

 

Other small companies and company executives give quietly each year to Genma meet the growing list of needs and wants from children and non-profits. But she has garnered the support of companies like Lamar Advertising Nashville, News Channel 5, Rhealistic Branding, and Mocha Magazine who sponsored billboards showing the non-profit agencies she serves at Christmas and in July by promoting www.livingtogivenow.com.

Tune in to Tom Joyner in your area to hear more about Living To Give Now and why Genma believes Christmas is 365 days a year!