The Christmas season is about giving, and spending time with family and those who we love. That’s why it was so touching and appropriate that so many Washington Parish citizens gave up some of their holiday weekend to show support for a family in a tough battle.

On Sunday afternoon, 8-month-old Jett Self traveled to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Md., to undergo a potentially life-saving treatment for his rare form of leukemia. Dozens of citizens — including family members, friends and those who came out to support after seeing the family’s story on social media — lined the runway and road to the Bogalusa Airfield. In addition to waving signs and cheering, they also joined together to pray for the Self family before they left for Maryland.

Of course, the day would not have been possible at all if the plane wasn’t available. U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham was moved by the Self family’s story, and helped arrange a private flight for the trip. James Davison, owner of Davison Trucking, provided the jet and Steve Basco of Ruston was the pilot.

This spirit of giving and unity would be impressive any time of year, but it might be even more astounding that it took place just two days after Christmas. Even though many people only get a few days out of the year to spend time with their family and loved ones, they still made time to show their support for the Selfs.

It might sound like a cliché, but it would be accurate to say that Washington Parish really saw “a Christmas miracle” Sunday afternoon.