Thursday, December 11

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~

19 comments:

  1. You my friend, are a dear blessing to my heart. I love you.

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  2. What a generous heart you have Mary...I am so glad to know you! Enjoy your holidays...

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  3. Lovely ideas there Mary, I loved how you are sending a little girl a gift, that's beautiful!

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  4. What wonderful ideas for all of us, Mary...thank you for sharing all of these!

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  5. That's a great list of ideas. It's important to be aware of the needs out there - thanks for posting!

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  6. Those are all wonderful, practical, doable ideas!

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  7. God bless your loving and generous heart. I do the Salvation Army thing and my kids have been taught, since they were toddlers, to drop money in the kettle.

    The baking challenge sounds fun but you don't want me to food poison people do you? I am a LOUSY cook!

    I really like your ideas for homeless people. The homeless in Florida don't get so much press because it is so warm so much of the year here and you don't hear or think of them being cold. It is a colder year than usual here, though, so the clothing and the coat thing is a really good idea!

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  8. Doesn't it make your heart feel good to do unto others. Jesus said, Whenever we do unto the least of these,we do unto him.
    Have a great day.
    Mama Bear

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  9. Mary the things you mentioned-thats what we should make Christmas every year.

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  10. What wonderful suggestions, Mary. Discovering the joy of giving is a great blessing!

    Have a great evening.

    Holiday Hugs,

    Renie

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  11. Amen Girl!
    There are so many things we can do to help.
    It reminds me of the verse where Jesus was talking about people doing things for Him. The people asked when have we done anything for you? He told them every time they took care of an orphan child or a widow. When we reach out in love to touch others....we touch Him.
    I pray this message is heard loud and clear.

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  12. All good ideas for helping others. You have a very good heart Mary!!

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  13. All wonderful ideas of how to help out those less fortunate at this time of year. I try to help out also and sometimes it may not seem like much but I know it can make a difference. xoxo

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  14. Great idea's Mary. Our mom raised us to always give what we can and I hope I have passed that on to my kids as well.
    Merry Christmas!

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  15. Oh,......this is one super post!! You have some awesome ideas. I do love the fact that you sent books to a child. There couldn't be a greater gift for little ones. You will make her life a bit better with your generosity.

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  16. Hey girl......... I love to know givers....... They warm my heart..... I am a giver and sometimes it is so hard because there are so many needs... I am going to start baking next week and take to the Nursing Homes here in town and to the VA center in a town not far from here.. It is where Dennis' dad spent his last days.. Wonderful people down there... Hundred or so Veterans from the last few wars. Such a sweet blessing to give a little back to those that fought for us..

    Love ya and pray that you are Blessed beyond measure this Christmas season.........

    God loves a cheerful giver so HE must LOVE you MUCH !!!!

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  17. Lovely post ... and methinks (when you're not so busy) you'd enjoy participating in Simply Kind Tuesdays as I do at Sacred Ruminations. God bless you for all the wonderful things you do and the encouragement you provide to others!
    Hugs and blessings,

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  18. Oh, Mary, you are such a sweet person! This was a wonderful post!!! I'm sure we all could do even just ONE thing on your list....every little bit does make a difference in someone's life who are less fortunate. You are really a very loving lady!!!

    (((((( HUGS ))))))

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