Small Acts of Giving
(photo by annie spratt on Unsplash)
As we approach Christmas, I am left pondering what the season means to me. It’s usually quiet , since both my adult children live out of town, but I do make an effort to visit with close friends. There is no pressure to exchange gifts or cook fancy meals any more. We are happy just sharing a cup of tea and a cookie and talking. These are the small gifts of time shared that really matter most. Having a friend who really listens to you is the most valuable gift in the world.
If you are able to make a small donation to a local charity that helps feed and house the homeless, that always gives you a good feeling. Yesterday, I donated a new toy to the local Christmas bureau for kids whose parents need a little boost. The cost of living is so ridiculously high right now, this probably applies to most families. If you cannot afford to donate a gift, you can donate a couple of hours to a charity for wrapping, delivering, or serving others in some way. There are so many opportunities to volunteer. My friend walks a couple of dogs for two seniors living in care homes through the Elder Dog organization. This allows the seniors to keep their best friend and tremendously improves their quality of life. Another friend of mine bags groceries for the food bank and serves at the breakfast with Santa hosted by the Rotary Club. Check the local paper if you want to get involved. It’s a great way to make new friends.
Another great way to give a more inexpensive gift is by sharing baking or canning. I love receiving a jar of jam or few cookies from my gourmet friends, as I have no talent in the kitchen. One of our cousins makes beautiful handmade Christmas cards that we put on display every year. There seems to be a push towards grassroots gift giving nowadays, as many people are making crafts as their hobby and sharing these, instead of buying commercial gifts. I try to support these local artisans who work hard all year to build their collections in time for Christmas.
One of our family traditions is to open one gift at the dinner table on Christmas Eve. This is done by drawing names ahead of time and there is a small spending limit. Whatever family traditions you have, I’d love to hear about one that has been passed down. Do you go sledding or skating on Christmas Eve? Do you light chimes on the dinner table? Merry Christmas to all my followers and please share a comment below.
