It�s that time of year again where everyone starts thinking about the holidays. Who am I going to spend the holidays with? Should I travel and visit my family? What parties am I going to give or go to? What gift should I purchase for friends and family?
As a spiritual advisor I receive more calls at this time of the year from people who are depressed and lonely, then any other time of the year. They have nowhere to go and no one wants to spend time with them. Sometimes I�m the only person they have to talk to. So many feel suicidal because they feel their life has no meaning. I feel such compassion for these people because I know what it feels like not to have family. My family has all passed away and my friends are scattered all over the world. I�m thankful to be Available and able to help people during this critical time.
This year is going to be different than most because there�s not as much money to go around as there has been in the past. Many people will not travel to visit relatives. Instead of giving gifts to people who really are not important, people are going to focus more on giving to those closest to them. For years people have been pressured to give gifts to those they hardly know because that is what you have to do at this time of the year. This year many people cannot afford to give any gifts because of being out of work. No one wants to see their child not have a happy time at Christmas, so many will sacrifice to see their child have joy at Christmas.
Just because the economy has gone down does not mean we need to lose the true meaning of Christmas. What is the meaning? Giving to others without expecting anything in return. Wow, what a concept. Do you have it in you to give of yourself without expecting anything back?
What I�m talking about is simplifying your life and doing things with those you love that don�t cost much money such as an old fashion Christmas tree decorating party. Not everybody has to buy a Christmas tree; it could be in a church, homeless shelter, a convalescent home or hospital. Everyone can bring some food and think of the great joy you would be creating. Make a party where ever you are.
Buy board games, such as Monopoly or the physically fun game Twister, instead of expensive video games and spend time with friends and family connecting through these tried and true games. You�ll find communication opening up and there will be more giving of your self then just giving a present.
There is such a great need for people to volunteer at hospitals, homeless shelters, veteran�s hospitals, and children�s hospitals. Why not take your family and instead of investing in gifts go out and give to those who have nothing. What about an elderly neighbor who has no family living, why not share a meal with them and spend some time talking. Realize most people feel enormous loss at this time of year because of losing so many they have loved and being alone.
Think of the joy you can bring to people by just talking with them. Even if you are volunteering passing out meals, at a homeless shelter, you can take a few minutes after your shift and talk with the different people. Realize they have lost everything and kindness from a stranger can go a long ways.
Christmas is most significant for children, so many wait all year for Santa Claus to bring them what they want most. Some children just want to feel healthy again. Your time visiting these children will lift their spirits and yours as well. If you feel inclined purchase inexpensive little trinkets to pass out to the children, not only in hospitals but at homeless shelters, and missions.
We have become a society that only thinks about ourselves. We have gotten away from the old fashioned values that made our society great. Instead of our modern instant everything world, see if you can�t go back to a time when caring about others was important.
Turn this Christmas mood from blue to glad by showing your kindness to your fellow humans who are passing through this world just like you. Remember the more you give-the more you get. This has never failed.
