I realized, as I looked back at the previous three posts, that every one of them included crying. I can almost hear Tom Hanks in the background screaming "There's no crying during the holidays!"
Now, mind you, some of that crying was good stuff. Some of it was not so good. In general, though, I think a good happy or sad cry does a world of good.
But, in an effort to get back to happy without tear production, I am going to post a few ideas to make your Advent (Happy Advent, by the way!)/Christmas Season extra special. Who knows? Maybe you'll create some family traditions along the way.
Now, don't go all nuts, print this out, and try to do all ten this year! Do what you feel you are moved to do and don't fret what you can't do.
Strap in; here we go:
1. Carry small change or a roll of quarters for the Salvation Army bell ringers. When your kids are with you, make sure they see you contribute and help them contribute, too. Talk to them about what an important job the Salvation Army has and why you think it is important to support them (in current news, you can also use this as a good way to explain how those affected by Hurricane Sandy receive support.)
2. Smile at the cashier in every store you visit, even if s/he is grumpy, and look them in the eye. Ask how their day is going. If it is going well, express your gladness. If it isn't, tell them you will say a prayer that it will get better.
3. Buy a couple of $5 gift cards to Starbucks or Target or Walmart and keep them in your wallet. The next time you receive outstanding customer service from an employee in a store you are patronizing, give them the gift card, wish them a Merry Christmas, and thank them for being such an outstanding, cheerful part of your day.
4. Plan a family night to look at Christmas lights. Before you leave, buy/make a dozen cookies. When you run across the best set of lights of the night, deliver the cookies and tell the homeowners how much you appreciate their effort to make your Christmas season brighter.
5. Have a wrapping party with your family for all the gifts that will be delivered to extended family, teachers, coaches, etc. Brew up some hot cocoa and play Christmas carols while you finish the chore.
6. Turn on your Christmas tree lights first thing when you arrive home and only turn them off when the last person goes to bed. Instant cheer!
7. Buy one cord of wood or a ready-made fire log and have a fire. Pull out a folding table and chairs and have dinner in front of the fire with Christmas music in the background. Ask each guest at the table to share their favorite Christmas memory.
8. Donate something that your family picks out to a local charity. Maybe you volunteer to serve Christmas meals at a homeless shelter or buy a present for an elderly person in a nursing home or play with the dogs at the city shelter for an hour. The possibilities, and the needs, are endless!
9. Send a surprise package to someone you know is hurting this season. Let them know, anonymously, that you are thinking of them. Include scripture verses to help them through, or copy words to a meaningful hymn, or include a child's drawing with the package. The receiver will feel honored and blessed beyond words.
10. Participate in sending gifts/cards to the military men/women who will be serving this season. (But, hurry! The deadline for sending a card is 12/7!) The American Red Cross has an entire page dedicated to this purpose. This is another wonderful opportunity to involve the entire family.
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