The spirit of the holidays has captured my heart already.
Many of my friends dread this time of year. Holidays were painful in many families, for sure. I’ve talked about this topic in the past, both the bright side of the holidays as well as the painful side, I know; but I feel called in my work to talk about changing one’s attitude and I think this particular holiday is one that can serve as an opportunity for thousands, even millions of people to look with fresh eyes and an open heart at the meaning beneath the glitz of the season.
I’m convinced that the holidays, which ever one you celebrate, are a way to connect to the heart, the soul, the spirit of our fellow-travelers. Commercialization isn’t the all of Christmas. In fact, it’s the least important part. Seeing the holidays as a time to share what you and I have with others can change how we prepare for the holidays. It assuredly can change the heart if you allow it to. I’ve observed this in friends, as a matter of fact. I’m sure you have too.
What are a few of the simple things you can do to lighten your heart and see the spirit of “christmas” all around you? You can drop a dollar or even a few cents in the red bucket at a Salvation Army stand at your grocery. You can pull a tag from a Christmas “giving” tree and purchase a gift for a child who will go wanting otherwise. Most Perkins Restaurants have giving trees too and you can soften your heart by choosing a small but lovely gift for a senior citizen who may not receive any thing else this holiday. The church I attend tries to fill every seat in the church with a huggable-sized teddy bear to give to a child who needs a hug. 500+ bears will get delivered this holiday.
Most grocery stores, drugstores and many street corners have large boxes marked Toys for Tots. Making the season a memorable one for a child who might face a morning with no gift at all is like sitting down to a hearty breakfast. It warms you from the inside out. None of these suggestions are expensive. All of them are simple to execute. Willingness and the desire to put the heart of someone else before your own is all that’s required. Doing it once makes the choice to do it a second time and a third time all the easier.
My experience has shown me that lifting the spirit of some one else lifts my spirit ten-fold. I’d love to see you try it this year too. Together we can make a difference. A huge difference. Are you willing?
