Tis the Season of good will, gifts and gatherings!
Published: 12/04/2018
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~Charles Dickens
Everyone is busy getting ready for the biggest holiday of the season. Music has ushered in the season.
The significance of Christmas can be lost in all the “have to’s” – have to buy presents, have to plan work events and family gatherings, have to prepare menus and buy food, have to clean house and decorate, etc., etc. The women reading this are saying “uh huh, yep!”
The “have to’s” are part of that “hustle and bustle” that make Christmas fun. But, the quiet moments of reflection, and those spent thinking about the needs of others are also a big part of the significance of Christmas for many of us.
We all know of someone who has recently lost a loved one. Christmas will be hard for them. Many families are going through hard times. Christmas will be hard for them too.
There are many small ways we can give to others to make theirs and our own lives more meaningful. It’s about connection; it’s about thinking of and doing for others. It’s also about teaching our children to do the same.
We’ve all heard the term “paying it forward” and thought it was a great idea. But if we’ve not stopped for very long to think about it, we probably haven’t implemented anything.
If you are having a hard time coming up with ideas, here are just a few for you for this season of giving:
1. Think of an individual near you that may not have family visiting at Christmas. Invite them over to share a meal, or take them a gift of food or homemade goodies.
2. Offer to run errands for those who are sick or have other challenges.
3. Buy coffee or a meal for those in line behind you.
4. As a family chose a worthy charity to support with a donation this year.
5. Look for someone to encourage each day. A simple word of encouragement can help someone get out of a slump, see things more realistically, and can turn around their day.
6. Small things like expressing appreciation to a service worker for their service helps their day go better.
7. Communicate your gratitude to those who are always there for you.
8. Take a few minutes to help a distraught parent whose child is making a scene in public.
9. Offer to babysit so young parents can have a free night out.
10. Donations to food banks or animal shelters are always needed.
May good will peace abound to you this season.