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Of all the months, December feels the best. Hearts are softened, wallets are opened, and hands are extended. During these 4 weeks, it seems goodwill is everywhere and oh how it feels good!
Writer, Isabel Currier once said, "It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit."
I've been thinking about what I can do to share the Christmas Spirit and the first thing that came to my mind (besides sharing treats!) was trying to donate useful items I already have, that are in good condition. Perhaps we could all take a few hours and clean out our closets, cupboards, bathroom drawers, and toy bins.; then, we can donate the items to a local homeless shelter*, a domestic violence shelter, or an often-overlooked smaller charity. I think it's a good idea to involve everyone in our households, if possible.
What are some meaningful activities you are participating in this Christmas?RFABW2K7GVZR
P.S. Adorable scalloped felt tree skirt tutorial here.
* I've noticed that men's clothing seems to be in particular demand at the homeless shelters.
Some of my favorite Christmas memories were when we would visit rest homes and visit with the elderly people that didn't have family. I took my Sunday School class last year to sing and hand out treats. Every one loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial. I've been wanting a new tree skirt and this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWe always do some sort of service project every year as a gift for my parents. A couple years ago they asked that we do a service, document it with photos if possible and write it down, in lieu of a gift for them. They keep our experiences in a binder. This year we're writing our church missionaries and including a packet of yummy candy cane cocoa and marshmallows!
ReplyDeleteAs part of our advent calendar we do family activities together (read the Christmas story, sing at the nursing home, etc.) and service activites (send a package to a soldier, do 5 nice things, buy gifts for needy children).
ReplyDeleteLast year when we started this I thought that the children might miss all the "treats." However, last night I simply ran out of time and we didn't get to do a project so I put two hershey's kisses in the calendar. To my surprise (and joy) the children both were a wee bit disappointed. When asked why they both said that they enjoy doing the projects together more than getting treats. I think that is the Christmas Spirit!!
We did that over the weekend. We cleaned out our closets of all that was donate worthy and donated it to some friends who could use it and to the good will. I agree that giving doesn't always have to be about opening ones checkbook, but that is good too when you can.
ReplyDeletewahoo christmas is coming.
ReplyDeleteJust decided this year... instead of drawing names for all the little ones (for cousin gifts), we are having a gingerbread/christmas cookie decorating night as a "kids christmas service party". The kids will have a blast doing something fun, together. We plan to take the kids to deliver the cookies and houses to several widows in the neighborhood who may need some holiday cheering up:) We thought, instead of another toy, let's start this early (some of the kids are just 1) and show them how fun serving others and spending time with your cousins is! I'm really excited, and hope we continue the tradition every year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly! Our family made (kids included) bagged lunches and distributed them to the homeless in our city, as well as compiled hampers with our friends for some needy families in our community. We blessed others, but it was a huge blessing for us as well!
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