Christmas, how can I help those in need?

How can I help those in need?

The first Christmas I can remember, was when I was 3 years old. My older brothers remind me from time to time on how weird I was as a kid. I was trying to hide under the tree and tipped the tree over on myself, funny to them but painful to me. I also received the right hand of righteousness, a spanking for those of you who don't know that term. I'm sure many of us can recall funny situations during the Christmas season. This is also a tough day for many of us have lost loved ones, through death, divorce, and distance. Yet, how do we deal with the loss of loved ones. I can recall that Christmas was my dad's favorite time of year. He decorated the inside of the house, and the outside. He always had Christmas music on, and there were always cookies and eggnog for those who wished to partake. I can look back at those times and that will bring a smile to my face.

Yes, these days can be hard on many of us, but, I look back at the good times and what they mean to me. Sure, we have had some bad times, but for many of us the good times outweigh the bad ones. I like to keep traditions alive, like the cookies and eggnog dad served. The inside lights that dad would decorate with, I use. Little things can go a long way in keep wonderful family traditions alive. You just have to make sure that you keep the kids involved, no matter what their age. My daughter is 31 this year and I want her to know and learn all about the Brooks traditions of lights and cookies and eggnog.

I was at Walmart last night and overheard two women talking about Christmases past. The one gal said, do you know that I have been putting up Christmas trees for over 75 years? Wow, I bet she could share some great stories about her memorable experiences of past Christmases. So, what stories do you have to share? What traditions do you have that you want your kids to carry on? Do you include your kids in getting ready for December 25? If not, I would suggest that you do and help them carry on all your family traditions.

If you know of someone who is alone, invite them over for Christmas dinner. Many are hurting and need a special act of love and kindness. Many elderly, have no family nearby, and just asking them over for dinner can be so comforting to them. If you know a family that is hurting and may need grocery's, buy them a gift card to Safeway or King Soopers for their Christmas dinner. Do it in such a way that they would have no clue who purchased the card for them. This season reach out to those who are hurting and in need. If you know of a family that needs toys or clothes, this is another way to give gift cards for Walmart, Target, and Kmart. You can make a difference this year in many lives, so reach out and touch someone.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, make this one special to all those around you. Times are tough, but appreciating each and everyone in your life by telling them how much you love them and care about them can go a long way.