Thursday, December 26, 2013

That Week Between Christmas Day and New Year's Day

This is that week, the one between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Sort of an unofficial holiday in itself. We won't talk about the resolutions just yet, those can wait till the New Year has started, so what to do with this week?

Are you home for the holidays? How about that local food pantry, they could use your help sorting and handing out. Serving meals at the local soup kitchen, or going through all the things you have no need for and giving it away. You can even still get that tax deduction! How about a visit to the local nursing home?

If you are with your family this week and have some extra time to spend on your kindness goals, go and print this poster: (SPPRAK Random Acts of Kindness Checklist poster) and see how many acts of kindnesses you can do between now and the New Year. If you are just you, well, print and see what you can do.

This is not a favorite season for some and there are many reasons. We all know at least one Grinch! But this week in between Christmas and New Year is a week to change some of that. There is really nothing that has to be done, it is a little slower. Grab your Grinch and our list and spread some kindness! Our list and your help might just change the holiday season into one of joy for that person, along with the people who are touched by the acts of kindnesses they are shown.

SPPRAKing knows no season, so today is a good day to join us on our mission to build a culture of kindness! 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas

Well, Christmas is just a few days away and time is winding down to do what we each can to make this season brighter for someone else. Instead of the focus of spending to help, let's change it up and think of ways to help others that don't cost us money, time or burden us in anyway. Wait, doesn't giving have to make us hurt a little in order to make it count?

Short answer is no.Good news, don't you think, since this time of year we are short on money, time and in some cases patience? How about we help that person juggling packages and hold that door for them? Definitely would brighten their day. Throw a quarter in the red kettle, that costs yes, but very little and shameless plug for this program since they are behind on their goal this year and if everyone just gave one quarter when they passed the kettle they could get so much closer to that goal. Smile and say hello to everyone you pass, it may be the only friendly greeting they have had all day. Now let’s get into some acts of kindness that you may have to seek out, but they will be worth it! Elderly (and not so elderly) neighbors that are alone, coworkers that have family far away, how about an invite to spend Christmas with you and your family? Or spend a few extra minutes with them, just talking.

There are many things that cause people to be alone and that is not the way that this time of year should be spent. It is meant to be shared, not with presents and all of that hoopla, but with each other. Send a note, or make a phone call to encourage someone you know is going through a particularly rough time this holiday season, especially those who have lost a loved one and this is the first Christmas without them. Each one of us has the power to change this Christmas season for someone else, with our time, our money or just ourselves. Seek out intentional acts this time of year, they are all around us. And, instead of stopping on Christmas day, let’s make this a season of kindness that lasts a little longer.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Season of Giving

So here we are at the gift giving season! Oh there are other gift giving occasions the whole year long, but none of those have the requirements attached that this season does. And no matter if you believe in the reason for the season, we can all get caught up in the frenzy to get that perfect gift for everyone on our list. Why do we do this to ourselves, to each other? Do you even remember what gift you received last year? How about what you GAVE last year? Did it impact your life, or someone else? Ok that is a pretty tall order for a gift, but it was THE perfect gift! We expect a lot don't we? Well, this season can be a different one for you, your family and the people that come in contact with you! SPPRAK is dedicated to building a culture of kindness, it is, we believe, the perfect gift. How do you say to someone less fortunate than you “Merry Christmas”? You can't solve their life’s problems, but you can make today easier. A warm smile and a few dollars won't change either of your lives in the long run would it? Wait, maybe it would. Because as humans we remember a kindness done for us and by us, even more than the perfect gifts we have received. Because unlike gifts that are things, kindnesses are feelings and those feelings have an impact on our lives. If you need a few suggestions to get your kindness giving season started, SPPRAK has an 11x14 poster, perfect for framing, that lists close to 40 gifts of kindness to share this holiday season. You could even make it a new holiday tradition for your family. Yes, we are hoping on the perfect gift train, with a difference. Change your life and change someone elses and make this a season of giving kindness, a gift that keeps on giving and one that you will remember all year long! Check out spprak.com for details!