Before the end of the year...

It's almost the end of the year, a time when almost everyone is celebrating for cultural and spiritual reasons. We think of lights,family, peace, joy, and our blessings.

There are numerous parties, church services, and local events to attend. We seem far busier than any other time of year as we decorate, buy gifts, grocery shop to buy goodies to make meals extra-special, and the list goes on an on...

Would you consider taking some time before the end of the year to make a difference for others?

Here are a few ideas to get your "giving juices" flowing:
Send a monetary donation to the charity or cause or person of your choice.
Donate goods to a thrift store such as The Salvation Army,Goodwill, or St. Vincent De Paul.
Buy gifts or business needs from companies who donate part of their profits to help others.
Note: Some of the things listed here may be tax-deductible as well. A present for you in return!
Offer food to a food pantry or a pet shelter. They can all use other things as well, and many have an actual written wish list if you ask or can tell you what their urgent needs are.
Visit people in a nursing home , hospital, or prison. Many don't get any visitors at all. (It brought tears to my eyes just typing that last line.)
Find out which families or individuals in your local area could really use a boost right now and choose one family or individual to really help in some way. Try to find those who aren't being helped already by others.
Volunteer somewhere- Your gift of time is precious! Whether it's for an hour only one time or on a regular basis it's helpful.
Babysit for a couple who don't get out much so they can have some needed time alone.
Write letters to those in the military serving far away from their home and family, those who are lonely, shut-ins, and who you feel intuitively could use a boost.
Thank your employees, co-workers, mail person, delivery people, and anyone else who has helped you this year in a sincere enthusiastic manner.
Show love through your words, actions, hugs, and kisses to as many people as you can.
Be patient with everyone, including yourself. This is a real gift!
Shovel snow for a neighbor.
Forgive someone. This might be yourself as well as others too.
Pray for peace and love to spread throughout the world.

You can mail the fronts of Christmas cards or other all-occasion greeting cards to:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Are there any ideas you'd like to add? Comment below.

I'm wishing all of my readers a delightful holiday season and a blessed 2011. Thank you so much for reading, sharing my posts, encouragement, and your comments. You are appreciated!