Christmas Giving

One of my greatest joys in life is giving to others. I always like to be as generous as possible around Christmas time. I don't have a lot, but I do know there are others who are have less than I do and this year is a particularly hard year for many. Some right here in blogland are struggling to make ends meet - to pay the rent, the electric and heat bills and put food on the table. For them, Christmas this year will not be a time of spending for gifts and Christmas treats. It will be trying their hardest to find work so they can at least provide their families with a Christmas dinner.

This year I have done the following:

* Dropped my change into the Salvation Army kettle on the way out of the grocery store.

* Sent books to a little girl I know who may not get anything from Santa.

* Given books for both adults and children to the Christmas Basket Exchange.

* Put out a Baking Challenge to my friends and readers here in blogland. Some families will receive baked goods through this challenge.

If you would like to do something for those less fortunate this Christmas, you can do any of the things listed above or you can:

* Volunteer to help deliver Christmas baskets.

* Take a tag off a Christmas tree and buy for the child whose name is listed on the tag. Many stores, including Wal*mart have trees with the names of children who aren't going to find a gift under the tree this year.

* Volunteer in a church kitchen and help with the annual Christmas dinner that they provide to those who don't have money for food.

* Take some goodies to a nursing home, or call ahead to find out the name of a senior who does not have family to visit. These people will cherish the gift of your company, if only for a half hour. Many of them are lonely and would love to be spoken to in a kind manner or given a hug.

* Seek out a homeless person and buy him/her lunch. Money isn't a good idea but a nice lunch and your company would be very much appreciated.

* Buy a blanket or sleeping bag for a street person if you are able, or even take them a blanket that you no longer use. Warm coats are also appreciated by people who live on the streets. Check in your city for an organization that will accept donations of blankets and coats for street people.

* Volunteer at a homeless shelter.

* Take a child who is lonely to a movie or out for lunch. Kids who are less fortunate would look forward to any type of outing.

* Give a single mother an IOU for babysitting services. Even a couple of hours will give her a much needed break.

* Become a Big Brother or Big Sister and give a child the gift of your time.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

There are so many ways to help the less fortunate. If every person would just do one of these things, the world would be a much different place. Give of yourself this Christmas. It is the greatest gift you could give. ~Blessings, Mary~