Jinnia,
I, too, have been thru this at Christmastime.....it was Dec 8 of 1990, and I'll never forget it!! My tree was up, and I had some presents under the tree. I got a call at work that my home was on fire!!
I didn't believe it at first, but it was all too real. My tree lights had shorted out, and b/c my home was weather proofed, no one saw a thing til the windows blew out. That started a real blaze. It was the most sickening feeling I can ever remember. Fortunately, the kids were at school, and no one else was endangered.
I got thru with the loving support of family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers who wanted to help. Sometimes I wanted to turn down offers of help, but my sister told me it's called "bread on the water" - pass it on. So some of those who offered help were probably passing on the help they were given at some point in their lives. How could I refuse??
So, don't look at it as "charity" or anything like that. It's just passing on the grace we've been given at some point along the way.
You're so blessed that you and yours are well, and no one lost their lives. Everything else comes after that...but it does come.
Liz