Thinking of Others This Christmas

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Thinking of Others This Christmas

Every year it seems we all rush around shopping, decorating, baking, in the full swing of the Christmas Season. Do you stop to think how many are unable to do the same this year? If I’m honest, it’s too easy to look past the faces of those in need. Thankfully there is still time for me to have an attitude adjustment.

Helping_the_homeless

PHOTO CREDIT By Ed Yourdon from New York City, USA (Helping the homeless Uploaded by Gary Dee) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Christmas is all about giving. It is my goal to share that fact with those who can’t. There are angel trees, secret santas, Holiday meals…so many opportunities to give back. And I don’t know about you, but this year it seems there are more than ever. More that are unemployed, more out of unemployment yet out of the work force, more families struggling.

It’s an easy thing to help. Maybe we can’t solve all their problems, but we can surely brighten their day. Each month I try to add to a growing collection of little gifts to give to the homeless or someone I know is in need. It helps spread out the cost, and slip some things into my monthly budget. With dollar stores now everywhere you can get everything from hair care products to socks to warm feet.

You can find a ton of suggestions in the article

Hats and gloves, blanket throws, toothpaste and shave cream…

If you aren’t able to buy a few things, you can always share some cookies you’ve baked, or a hot meal, some fresh fruit. if you are crafty, you can imagine the options, from toys or clothes to hats and wraps.

Nearly every town has a plan in place to provide special dinners for Christmas. Have you ever volunteered to serve at one? I think that might be one of the kindest things we can teach our children, showing them the true spirit of giving.

You can see there are many ways to share the joy of Christmas. It wouldn’t take much for each of us to make a difference. I often think, if we each did one thing, imagine how much there would be. When I have had a need, it seems there is always someone there to help. I’d like others to know that sense of caring and belonging. Will you help?

 


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas

Author: Jackie Jackson

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4 Comments

  1. Thanks Susan. You’re right. It’s needed all year long! It wouldn’t take much if we all did some. I appreciate your comments.

  2. A good range of ideas here, Merry.

    Of course, the bigger question is… why in God’s name are there any homeless at all in so-called civilised societies like yours and mine?!

    Just a few weeks ago the leader of the Labour Party over here and, possibly the next Prime Minister (Lord have mercy!) Ed Miliband stooped in a Manchester street to drop a few pence into the tin of a homeless person. Maybe he’s a caring sort of guy and always does it whether there are cameras around or not – who knows.

    But I think about another message that it sends… here is a man that, even in opposition, has the power to actually ‘do something’, and the best that he can come up with is to take 10 pence out of his pocket and hand it over.

    To me this says: “poor homeless person, here’s a few pence I hope it helps, sorry I haven’t a single policy or idea to get you off our streets and into a home – and Merry Christmas to you and yours”.

    And nothing will change when he likely becomes British Prime Minister in May. Homelessness is ‘accepted’ by those that are in positions to eradicate it, is the point I’m trying to make.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/31/ed-miliband-awkward-_n_6082608.html

    Anyway, sorry for tainting the good spirited tone of your article.

    • Thanks Danny, I’m glad you shared your thoughts. It is a problem with a vast array of causes and each may need a different solution. I am not familiar with the Prime minister, but hope it works out.

  3. I love your suggestions! A smile and a kind word are free for the giving and wonderful gifts to give any day of the year, especially now and no matter what your budget. Merry Christmas!

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