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.