A Collective Journal

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

~Norman Vincent Peale~

I would like to take this time and wish everyone happiness and joy for this time of year. No matter what you celebrate, one can spread the love, kindness and good spirit of the season.

When my girls were younger they came to me and told me that they wanted to get some gifts for children that were in the hospital over Christmas. We called our local hospital to find out if any children were hospitalized, what their ages were and if they were girls or boys.

I then took my girls shopping and they spent their money picking out gifts for these kids.  We picked up wrapping paper and ribbons and then took all of it to the nurse’s station where my girls handed over the gifts to the nurses to wrap and distribute. My girls wanted the gifts to be anonymous.

Each year we try and do something for someone else. Many years we go shopping for food items and take it to our local food pantry. Instead of a gift exchange one year with some of our neighbors, we all agreed to donate to the food pantry instead.

At our grade schools they had mitten trees. This was where you could bring in hats and mittens to donate and hang them on the tree. Every year my mom would knit enough hats and mittens for each grandchild to take to school. 

Sometimes just a simple little gesture can spread the goodwill. As hurried and harried people may be this time of year, there is always room for a little kindness and patience. 

So, take a deep breath....count to 10 and hold that door open for somebody with their arms loaded with packages, or let the person getting one item go in front of you and your overflowing shopping cart. Smile while waiting in line at the Post Office. And when someone cuts you off while driving, wish them a Merry Christmas instead of flipping them the bird.

  Enjoy what you have, appreciate the simple and spread the love.

Merry Christmas to all

(jj)