Sunday, December 20, 2009

There is still time!

Sunday, I had a wonderful impromptu breakfast with my Mom and husband. Please notice my lovely serving dishes. LOL. We talked about how the holiday lists we made in October have been long forgotten. Of course Moms will be Moms...... She had to tweak some of our decorating. And we decided we have done all we can do this year. We will spend this week enjoying friends, family, food and festivities.

But darn, so many things on that list we did not get around to. So many times we miss opportunities. Instead of the basket of oranges for the neighbor. Take a few minutes and juice those oranges. You will have instant friends for life and what a memorable gift!



Oh we wanted to volunteer at a soup kitchen, we wanted to donate to a food pantry, we wanted to do so much this holiday season. But we didn't get around to it. STOP! Check your phone book (OK google it) a nursing home in your city. Ask for the activities director. Tell her please give you the names of some residents that never have visitors. Don't ask a nurse, don't ask the social director. They will probably share the names of the most visible residents. Put the names you are given on some cards. Address the cards while you are on the phone with him/her. Drop a few dollars in those cards. Do you know how happy you will make those people? (Wanna really make them happy, save their name and send them a card every month!)



How many times do we want to help a homeless person? But what to do? First be courteous and polite but always consider your safety. I buy MRE's (meals ready to eat). Our soldiers eat them every day. I live near a military base and purchase them there but I am certain you can find them at sporting goods stores. Keep them in your car. They are high in calories. They contain everything including the means to heat them up. These things are indestructible, they are safe and you make an immediate difference.




Smile, laugh, call a friend. Tell someone you love them. Listen. Teach. Share. Of course volunteer, donate money, donate clothes but don't forget the little things that will change a life that we can do everyday. Merry Christmas my blogging friends. I treasure the bonds we have made.






11 comments:

  1. Well said! I have the best of intentions and some I get done and some I don't. Thanks for some good suggestions.

    Huggs..............Linda

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  2. Jeanette, these are some EXCELLENT suggestions. Bravo! I want to take notes and do some of these things myself, particularly when it comes to helping the elderly. Thanks!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  3. What a precious post..lots of meaning and great suggestions..also instead of just thinking about it...getting out there and doing it! What Christmas is all about. Love.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family..
    Mona

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  4. I love all of your holiday ideas. Giving back to others is truly the reason for the season.

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  5. Thank you! I will make sure I refer to this post throughout the year and really do it!!!

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  6. What a wonderful post, Jannette! My oldest daughter is a nurse and works at a Assisted Living facility. I'm so blessed by that since we have always taken time to volunteer with the elderly. She was just telling me that they have residents that NEVER get visitors. That makes me so sad. If we just take an hour or 2 a month and just go visit. Don't worry about what to talk about...usually they are thrilled to do the talking. Be prepared with a few questions and just sit back and listen.

    Off my soapbox :)

    CHRISTmas Blessings!
    Gail

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  7. Jeanette,
    Merry Christmas to you too!
    Beautiful ideas of spreading love to others!
    Throwing big hugs your way...
    Dee Dee

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  8. Hi Jeanette:

    Before it gets really busy here wanted to make sure I wished you a happy, healthy and blessed Christmas.
    Sylvia

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  9. Hi Jeanette! Bravo on a wonderful post! I couldn't agree more. Last week we donated one case of food and have another one ready to drop off tomorrow at one of our local churches. We also gathered 10 boxes of infant cereal to help out some local families with babies. Toys have been donated. All simple and easy things but, knowing I helped maybe one or two people makes my holiday so much richer.

    I am a very blessed lady!

    I hope you and your family have a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas!!

    And thank you for taking the time to drop by my blog and leave such kind comments! they are greatly appreciated!

    Diann :)

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