The Giving Season

by Terri

You know that old adage “It’s better to give than receive”? You learned it as a child and tried hard to instill it in your own children. And it was so rewarding when you could see them getting it.  It’s been a long time since my children learned that lesson but I vividly remember it blossoming in my grandson two Christmases ago when he was 12. 

He decided he wanted to get his dad a Phoenix Suns’ jersey with his last name and birthday number on the back (Porter 09).  I tried to explain to him that it was an expensive gift but he was insistent. He stood by me as I ordered it on the computer to make sure I did it exactly right. He dug the money for it out of his bank and handed it to me happily. Then each day when he came home from school the first thing he asked is if it had been delivered yet. He was more excited about giving that gift to his father than about anything he might be getting himself. It certainly warmed this grandmother’s heart.

On Christmas morning, he barely looked at the stack of presents beside him but pushed his gift toward his dad and asked him to open it. The twinkle in his eye as he saw his gift opened told me he was finally getting it. It’s definitely better to give than to receive.

And what does that photo at the top of this post have to do with this subject? This is our pomegranate tree, one that, if I had known it was going to drop leaves all over and be nothing but dead sticks in the winter, I would have never bought. For years we have tried to keep the birds from eating all the pomegranates before we can pick any of them for ourselves. My husband wanted to give up. It was too much trouble to feed, water, prune and rake up after this tree that has provided us with nothing. But I talked him out of it. It makes me feel good to know I am feeding the birds with my pomegranates at a time of year when food is scarce for them. So I do the work that it takes to keep this tree producing fruit. I can buy all the pomegranates I want at the store. The birds need my willing donation of fruit and seeing them enjoying it no longer frustrates me. It makes me happy to be able to share the bounty with them. Well, not exactly “share”. They actually eat every last pomegranate on our tree!

Do you remember the first Christmas when you were more excited about giving than receiving? Do you remember a particular time when your children discovered the joy of giving? It’s a wonderful feeling and even more wonderful to be able to teach it to the children in your lives. I would love to hear your stories relating to the subject of giving. I hope you will share them with us either in the comments below or on our Facebook page or Instagram. And we  hope you will also share your photos in our Flickr group. Wishing you all a holiday season full of the joy of giving.

Small Gestures

by Judy

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."   

Some say the above quote is Plato's.  Others attribute it to Scottish author, Ian Maclaren.  To me, it doesn't matter whether it's from a Greek author and philosopher, or a Scottish author, it has long been one of my very favorite quotes, and one I try to remember as I go through my busy days.  

All of the posts this week from Terri, Kelly and Susan have spoken about kindness and of  'being the light', and my post today continues on that theme. 

I consider myself a very empathetic person.  I can put myself in someone else's shoes in a heart beat, and can be jumping for joy with them over happy news, or sobbing uncontrollably with them, or for them, over sad news.

The holiday season is a time that I always find myself really noticing those around me.  The little girl with the tattered coat.  The man with the gaping hole in the side of his shoe.  The woman with the worried look on her face as she buys her groceries.  I become acutely aware that this is not an enjoyable time for many people, and I say a silent prayer that they may find the strength to get through this time and find peace and happiness in the new year. 

I know that it is impossible to help each and every person who needs it, but I remind myself that small gestures can make a big difference. Let's 'be the light' for those who need it the most this time of year. I know that your kind hearts volunteer and donate to many different charities throughout the year, as do I, but if you're struggling to find places in your community where you can help out, or if you'd just like to do more this holiday season, I've found some great charities that really make a difference that I'd like to share with you.  

• The Christmas Tree Project, which collects and donates Christmas trees, decorations and gifts.  You can find them at thechristmastreeproject.org
• The Every Cork Counts Campaign.  Gallo Family Vineyards, gives $5 for each cork they receive to Meals on Wheels Association of America.  You can find them at gallofamily.com/every-cork-counts
• Share Your Soles accepts all kinds of gently worn, or new shoes and warm boots.  Visit them at shareyoursoles.org
• Scarves with a Purpose collects your handmade scarves and mails them to low-income schools, homeless shelters, and other groups.  They can be found at scarveswithapurpose.com
• One Warm Coat works to help the 15% of Americans who can't afford a warm coat.  Visit them at onewarmcoat.org 

Wishes to all of you for a happy holiday season, and may your days be merry and bright!