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.
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
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?
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January 4, 2015
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.
December 17, 2014
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.
January 4, 2015
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.
December 17, 2014
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!