A lot of people say it's better to give than to receive, but how many of them actually mean it? To one anonymous Massachusetts woman, this sentiment rings true. In an extraordinary act of holiday giving, she paid off the entire layaway account at her local Toys"R"Us store — a gesture that cost more than $20,000. Personnel from the Bellingham, MA, store reported tears of joy [1] from many customers who owed on their layaway bills, describing it as "an incredible act of kindness." The undisclosed donor claimed that she would sleep better knowing that the bills were paid, but she did more than just put her own mind at ease; thanks to her generosity, more than 150 families will have the Christmas of a lifetime.

ABC News reported [2] that the Massachusetts "layaway angel" is not the only extraordinary giver helping families this holiday season. From NFL players taking needy kids on shopping sprees to police officers making sure every child in their town gets a Christmas present, these tales of selfless Christmas generosity will bring you to tears. If the Grinch heard of these remarkable holiday gestures, his heart might grow more than three sizes! 'Tis the season, indeed.