Tis the Season!

It's nearly December! You know what that means?

CHRISTMAS!

I love this time of the year. It truly is magical, for so many reasons. For one thing, I love hearing Christmas music on the radio. I love seeing lights and decorations. I love the Christmas shopping you can do in stores. The list goes on and on.

But do you know what is super special about this time? The feelings of joy, comfort, solidarity, and compassion. It is amazing to see so many charitable initiatives that occur around Christmas time, such as donating toys to the Salvation Army, helping people in need, joining soup kitchens, finding clothes for the homeless, and so forth.

Christmas is about Christ's birth. He came into the world to save us. He gave Himself for us. Welcoming Christ in our world means that we need to be humble. We need to open our arms and homes to Him. That is what Christmas is about. And that is why helping others, especially during this time, is so precious. 

We are so fortunate to be able to afford our basic needs, and even luxuries at times. Others are not so fortunate. But keep in mind that during this season, you need not feel PRESSURED to 'be better' than everyone else by donating the most. In fact, you need not donate money or toys. You can donate your time to listen to someone in need. You can donate a helping hand and hold open the door for someone. You can donate a caring heart and contact someone who you haven't seen in a long time. You can smile at someone on the street. You can be extra patient at the morning coffee shop you visit.

This season, let's all try to spread some Christmas cheer - in whatever way works for you. Remember that being kind is the best way to spread love and comfort. There is truly nothing more special and magical than feeling that you have helped someone, that you have made a difference in someone's day. That is the gift that keeps giving back - and doing it can be completely free. But the reward is priceless.

 

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