As the excitement of the holiday season (however you celebrate it) gradually sneaks up on us I can’t help but think of those who, for whatever reason, dread this time. Maybe it’s gut wrenching loneliness, the bone-chilling temperatures of living on the streets, the worry of the expense or the stress of a single parent trying to deliver everything her children desire and her family expects.
I urge those of you lucky enough to be surrounded by love, warmth, gifts, peace and sanity to spare a thought for others this Season. It needn’t cost anything and can transform someone’s life.
If you know someone who lives alone, invite them for lunch. If you know someone who is homeless, hand them something to help keep them warm. If you know someone who can’t afford to buy their children a present, pick one of the gifts you gave your own children last year which has sat in the back of the closet largely unused and leave it wrapped on their doorstep from Santa. If you know someone frazzled and overwhelmed, offer to look after the kids for a few hours so they can get some shopping or wrapping done in peace. And if you have the time, volunteer at one of the many charities that provide shelter, food and comfort. It’s an ideal way for children to learn that Santa doesn’t visit everyone.
There are a million ways you can help bring just a little of the Seasonal Joy to others less fortunate. It needn’t cost any money, just a little thought, effort and that most precious and scarce resource – a little of your time.
Do something you can look back on and feel proud of – and those of you with children in your world – remember that you are a role model whether you realize it or not. What are you teaching about this Season? Love and goodwill to fellow man or stress, cost and arguments with the in-laws?
Ask yourself what you are most grateful for this holiday and use that as your guide. Are you most grateful for your gorgeous children? Help them choose a toy to donate. Grateful that you will be able to spend time with family? Invite someone alone to share your family dinner. Grateful for your health? Visit someone stuck in hospital.
With a little imagination and some goodwill you can make a difference that counts.
As always, the choice, my dear Hotshots, is all yours.
Have a wonderful time, whatever you find yourself doing. See you next year!
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The greatest gift someone gave me the other day was they asked me “Are you okay? You look sad.” I was fighting off a virus and so touched they noticed I looked off. A simple hand of outreach, a hug, a “How are you today – with sincerity” can change someone’s day. It changed mine and now I’ll give it away to someone else. Thanks for your suggestions and reminder!
Nice post Sarah. When we realize how much we have to give, it is amazing. The abundance of little things we can do to change a person’s life gives us power beyond belief. I loved your suggestions! We are in the process of clearing the toy room right now and the kids just love to take them down to the shelters for single mom’s and their children. It makes them feel good and teaches them the power of giving. I love to see it when they get as much satisfaction from giving as receiving. Have a wonderful holiday! ~Cathy
Great ideas Sarah. I love random acts of kindness. So, I will see what I can cook up when I go into town next. One of my friends paid off a stranger’s layaway Christmas gifts. I imagine that will be a great surprise when they go in to pick up their gifts.
What a lovely post, Sarah. My parenting group here in NYC just went to the Rockaways, an area hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, and helped bring some smiles to the kids who won’t be celebrating Christmas this year. I am trying to instill this spirit of kindness into my 4-year old daughter so she knows it’s not just about unwrapping gifts. Thank you for the sweet post.
Love this post Sarah…it is soooo true! Some of the best holiday memories I have are ones that I contributed my time, or some gesture of love and friendship. To make a difference in someone’s life is a tremendous thing….and it is 10-fold during the holiday season. Thanks for the lovely reminder…
xo, Tina
Warm fuzzies and a big smile, Sarah. What a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday spirit- by looking outside our own sphere and giving love to someone else, in whatever form might touch them the most. Thank you for reminding us of the *true* spirit of this time of year!
Thank you, Sarah!
smiles, acceptance, kind words, community….this is how the season should be highlighted.
Hi Sarah,
thank you so much for this reminder!!
“Santa doesn’t visit everyone”, that is so true, unfortunately.
It doesn’t have to cost anything to make a difference indeed, and I love all the different ideas you shared with us here! Most of us probably think of giving/donating money first, but giving time and attention goes a long way and can make so much more of a lasting impact on the other person!