REFLECTIONS of 2018.....Day 6

   KWANZA....CREATIVITY 

Reviewing 2018

Today is the last day of 2018. Sit back and enjoy.  Reminisce about the past twelve months. Think about all you have done; think about good times you enjoyed and those not so good.  Think about those individuals in your life who are important to you; think about how they impacted your life during the past year. How will they impact the coming year?  

Get a journal or notebook.  Write your year in review.  It does not have to be a long piece if you don’t want it to. Just put down things about the past twelve months.  

If you kept a journal all year then use that as your last entry

 Remember 2018 is a thing of the past.  Tomorrow is a new year and new beginning. 

Until tomorrow....HAPPY NEW YEAR.   

              N-E-W     Y-E-A-R-S

(From the book “HOLIDAY GREETINGS”)

Now another year ends today and another      

             begins tomorrow 

   Each January first we make good 

                  intentions to change our lives

     Whether it be a better diet, more 

                 exercise or more time with family 

Year after year we set goals with hopes to 

                follow through 

   Every year we begin our objectives of       

                 keeping the promise to our self

     And somehow our resolutions are  

                  forgotten after a few short      

                                 months 

       Reflecting on New Year’s Eve of the 

                       plan we never thoroughly 

                               completed

          Should we perhaps make short term 

                      goals that seem more realistic?

 

REFLECTIONS of 2018.....Day 5

   

   KWANZA DAY 5...PURPOSE 

Pull out your 2019 goal list you completed yesterday.  Did you think about it after you wrote it?

Today review it.  I’ve done this in the past. I’ve made a goal/good intentions list.  What I did one year was make it a three month plan.  After three months (April 1st) I reviewed my list.  I examined to see if I kept with my goals and if not WHY?  If I kept with them I then knew they were a way of life now; but if failed I then decided to begin again. Every three months I checked my list. It worked quite well the year I did this.  Perhaps this could be a better solution for you.  Periodically check your goals.  Revise if possible; begin a second or third time if need be. 

We all have good intentions but they do get waylaid at times.  This does not mean we are failures it means we are only human. 

I feel you are not a failure if you begin again;   there is nothing wrong in starting over.  

Complete your list today.  Put us aside to read on January 1st; then keep it handy to refer to during the year or if you want to try the three month plan.  January first the first day of your new program for 2019. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your day. 

                       NEW YEARS 

    (From the book “HOLIDAY GREETINGS”)

New Year....new chance....new beginning 

    Even though the old year had not yet 

                             ended

       We think about goals for the year ahead

Year coming,...what our future hold

    Each year we make new objectives in our 

                         lives 

      Accomplishing them at times.....quite      

                           difficult

         Reason our aspirations are left 

                    incomplete at years end

           Still each year we aim to complete 

                        these goals 

REFLECTIONS of 2018....Day 4

     KWANZA DAY 4.... ECONOMICS 

       2018 Goals Review 

Today get pen and paper ready and begin to make a list of your 2019 goals.  Now get your 2018 list and compare the two.  Do you find you are repeating any from the past year?  If so ask yourself why?

Sometimes we want to continue with what we had done before.  We may feel we need to keep up with our past goals.  By now they should be a way of life or at least to me they are.  So they really aren’t new goals. 

Perhaps you feel putting past 

We all seem to have some of the same good intentions each year; loose weight; better eating habits; exercise more; more family time.  There are some who set other goals for their selves.  

Today write down your 2019 list then put it aside for the day.  Think about what your put on the list as you go through your day today.  Could you add to it? Perhaps make a change or two? Think about if they are realistic goals.  

Until tomorrow....have a nice day. 

REFLECTIONS of 2018.... Day 3

    KWANZA DAY 3....WORK and         

                 RESPONSIBILITY 

As I said yesterday the days between Christmas Eve/Christmas and Nee Year’s Eve/New Year’s seem to go by so fast. 

It’s already three days since we celebrated Christmas.  People are now saying to me Happy New Year. 🎊🎆🎈 

What will they say after this?  Will it be Happy Ground Hog Day or will it be Happy Valentine’s Day.  Now speaking of Valentines the store are already selling candy that are heart shaped.  We just finished Christmas candy sales which many are now half priced or more.  I had a Facebook friend post that a week or so before Christmas they saw Valentine’s Day candy in the stores.  I’m sure if I look hard enough I may see marshmallow peeps for Easter out there.  I wonder just what is the shelf life of chocolates?  I mean selling candy for a particular holiday more than a month in advance.  

As a goal I had for years and plan to keep again is to celebrate ONE holiday at a time. What does that mean? I won’t purchase anything related to any holiday except the next one approaching.  

          Reviewing 2018 Day 3 

Today think about your 2019 resolutions and/or goals.  Are they ones that are reasonable?  Are the repeats of years past? 

Compared your 2019 list to the 2018 list.  If the 2018 list was not completed ask yourself why.  

Like me, I am sure many fall from the bandwagon of goals sometime during the year.  What I do is get back on and begin again.  

Did you just give up on a goal? Did you find it one not reasonable to keep?

Think long and hard today on the reason/reasons why your goals for this past year not complete.  

Until tomorrow...have pen and paper ready for tomorrow’s blog. 

REFLECTIONS of 2018....Day 2

  KWANZA DAY 2......SELF DETERMINATION 

  As I said yesterday, you can research today’s principle on the web. 

Why is it that the days between Christmas and New Year’s goes so quickly. Yesterday I was just coming down from the celebration of Christmas and today there are five days till it’s Nee Years day.  As a kid I hated the thought of the days between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.  Our family always had the same meal for both of those days. WHY?  I had no idea but that’s what my step-grandmother seemed to make.  It was how she said they celebrated; their tradition.  I was glad when I left home and ate what I wanted on both nights well at least for awhile.  All of a sudden I missed traditions and it was not till I met my second husband did I begin a new set.  Yes I still do these traditions today but perhaps on a smaller scale as we live in another area now. 

I still seems like the days between both eves just come too fast.  Like many of the others here in Florida (with families elsewhere) there are no Christmas Day meal leftovers.  No reason for us to cook up a huge meal. We end up on the day after Christmas going out for lunch or supper.  We do lunch.  I must say I do miss leftovers after Christmas such as ham and perhaps the rings of pineapple cooked on the ham.  

So I ask again why do the days between the eves seem to go by quickly?  

      REFLECTIONS of 2018

            DAY 2

Today take time to think back on your New Years resolutions for 2018. Yesterday you were asked to think about the ones you made.  Did you fall by the wayside or see them through.  Reflect about which you accomplished. Did they change you in any way? 

Most will make resolutions to loose weight; eat more healthy; exercise more; spend more time on a hobby; visit family and have more family time.  These are goals that seem to be popular.  

We’re one of these in your 2018 resolution list?  

If you did not accomplish all 

It happens we tend to make a goal that sre not easy to keep.  So it seems if we do something to not continue we drop it. That is not what should be done. Just start over again.  As you think back on your goals question yourself the reason why you did not accomplish them. 

REFLECTIONS of 2018....Day 1

Beginning today to January 1st I plan to post here about KWANZA and each day’s principle. I’ll put which day it is and the principle; mention to learn more check Google.  

 I also plan to write about Reflections for 2018 and what you could do. 

These are just guidelines for you to consider going into 2019. 

Today is the first day of KWANZA.  Today is about unity.  Look this up on the web for more information. 

Today is DAY 1 of ‘REFLECTION of 2018’.  

Today sit back and think on the resolutions; goals or intentions you made for your self in 2018.  Were they realistic? Were they ones you could accomplish?

At the beginning of each year many, not all,

make some type of resolutions for the new year.  We try hard to keep them but many fall by the wayside.  I’ve said this before I don’t make resolutions but ‘good intentions’ for the year.  

Today all you need is to take a few moments  to think about the past year; very simple. 

You can do this while watching television; having a cup of coffee or driving (as long as you’re not distracted by the thoughts).  

Enjoy today.....it’s the day after Christmas and many return back to work. But it is hump day so the weekend will be here soon. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day 33

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

  WISH EVERYONE a MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Today is Day 33 of ‘Spreading Holiday CHEER’.  All you need to do today is wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.  I’m sure, like me, you have friends or acquaintances who do not celebrate the holiday.  I still wish them anyhow.  I’ve probably already recognized the holiday they celebrate this time of year and if not it’s because they never gave me that information. 

Today over social media I’ve sent my greetings to all.  

Tomorrow the countdown to New Years.  

Tomorrow is also the first day of Kwanza. 

Tomorrow....begin to think about the resolutions; goals or good intentions you wanted to accomplish in 2018. 

Over the next seven days I’ll post the KWANZA PRINCIPLE for the day. You’ll have to Google the purpose information. 

Also I’ll blog about the COUNTDOWN to NEW YEARS; what you should be thinking about doing. 

Until tomorrow....a very very Merry Christmas to one and all from my house to yours. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

      

            A SPECIAL WISH for YOU

    (From the book “Holiday Greetings”)

May your home be filled with happiness 

   May your heart be filled with love

      May your days be filled with joy

        May you have good health and fortune 

           Not only at this season of Christmas 

              But all through the coming year

WE WISH YOU a VERY CHRISTMAS 

              AND 

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 32

  SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

     DO a LAST MINUTE CHORE or ERRAND for SOMEONE 

It’s Christmas Eve.  If you are anything like me I have just one more errand or trip to the store today.  Most of us do have that last minute gift to buy or food item to pick up or even something we need to drop off someplace.  My Christmas Eves finds me EARLY (before noon) at my favorite grocery store getting something I need. It finds me afternoon picking up a last minute gift for someone I forgot or need gift for; or finds me dropping off an item to a Christmas Eve celebration.  

Why not check with someone to see if you can assist them with one of these chores. 

I wish I had someone ask me if they could help me on Christmas Eve with one of these items. It would have taken a load off my mind to know I had help. 

The chore could be as easy as helping to wrap gifts; dust or sweep the house. The errand could going to store for last minute or forgotten food or beverage item.  Your help can make their holiday a bit less stressful.  One year I had picked up a last minute centerpiece for a friend’s dinner.  As it was Christmas Eve the item was sold st a reduced price; another year it was boxes of chocolates the friend keep in hand as gifts with a bottle of wine. The chocolates were a a BOGO (but one get one) item. 

Just call a friend or family member to ask if they need help.  I liked the one time I was asked just bring ice for drinks. Simple and easy. It’s the season of goodwill, joy and helping others.  

Until tomorrow....A very Merry Christmas to you all. 

Tomorrow....wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day 31

    SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

   TAKE EITHER a FRIEND or FAMILY     

     MEMBER OUT for a PRE-HOLIDAY 

          DRINK or MEAL

It’s two holidays today. 

I consider December 23rd pre-Christmas Eve; also if you were a fan of the “Seinfeld” television show you’re bound to remember the holiday of FESTIVUS.  According to wacky/weird holiday sites Festivus is on December 23rd. 

 Today your act of spreading cheer is to have a pre-holiday meal or drink with a friend or family member.  It’s not important where you go or what you have to eat or drink; it’s the time spent with the person you invited.  You can meet for lunch or dinner and maybe exchange crazy little gifts.  You can head out for a drink and appetizers.  Why not make it a crazy gift exchange with them. Tell them you’re exchanging white elephant gift with them. Who knows what you will end up with.  We did this once.  Actually ended up with something could actually use.  

It’s just a fun time to unwind few days before the holiday.  Make it even better by wearing ugly sweaters/shirts. 

Until tomorrow....I’m off to find my white elephant item to exchange and find my ugliest top for lunch. 

HAPPY FESTIVUS to you also. 

Tomorrow....do a last minute chore or errand for someone. 

    

         PART II 

Today is FESTIVUS.  If you were a fan of the television show “Seinfeld” you know what I’m referring to.  This holiday is listed as a wacky holiday on wacky/weird holiday web sites. 

A few years ago I began to celebrate the day. It all began when I came across twenty or so wreath ornaments I had inside a Christmas card from the previous year.  I knew I needed to get rid of them before the envelopes began to look funky.  So I put them into a holiday tote bag and passed them out at a veteran’s club where I am a member.  As I passed them out I said “Happy Festivus”.  One patron knew what I referred to and it began an interesting conversation.  The following year I had candy canes I passed out and kept this tradition for the next few years. Today I’ll be attending an ugly sweater event where I’ll be giving out candy canes to celebrate Festivus.  This is my new tradition for December 23rd it’s fun and most people enjoy a freebie.  If you see me today you may be the recipient of a candy cane. 

I’ve decorated the poles in my carport for Festivus also.  After all it’s the holiday for the rest of us.  No doubt you can say I celebrate whatever holiday I think is funky and fun.  

So until tomorrow....Happy Festivus.  Don’t forget to air your grievances and give to the human fun. 

The following is a piece I composed last year for the holiday. 

                         FESTIVUS 

It's time to decorate the pole

And time for the feats of strength 

Time to air our grievances 

Those we love and hate

FESTIVUS....is here at last 

Donate to the Human Fund

 A holiday for the rest of us

So have a happy, everyone 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 30

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

BUY a SANTA HAT; ELF HAT; REINDEER ANTLERS HEADBAND or any HOLIDAY HEADBAND to GIVE AWAY.

 I love dollar stores. I find the cutest things there.  This time of year there are Santa hats; elf hats; reindeer antler headpieces; headpieces with snowman etc... 

I have a few of these pieces in my collection.  Today pick up a few perhaps one of each or whichever you think.  Give the hats/headpieces to family member and/or friends.  

You can suggest they wear them with their ugly sweaters or tee shirts.  Make a fun day of wearing them together. Take a photo or two of them modeling their head gear.  

Some people won’t buy these for theirselves.  They could be embarrassed to do so or think it's too silly.  But yet, getting one as a whimsical gift is a different thing.  

They will wear the hat or headpiece. 

A week before Christmas I begin to wear my hats/headpieces.  I have a different one for everyday. What I wear depends on the shirt I wear that day of course.  

Oh don't forget you need to buy one for yourself.  Nothing says seasonal cheer and fun like a whimsical holiday headpiece. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy shopping today. 

Tomorrow....take family member or friend out for holiday meal or drink. 

             PART TWO

It’s Festivus Eve.  I began celebrating the day years ago.  It began as a fluke (see tomorrow’s blog).  As I recall December 22nd is now Festivus Eve to me. I kept a journal on what I had the first year I began to celebrate the day before Festivus.  It seemed I ended up at one of my favorite places having garlic wings and steak fries with gravy.  It had become The Festivus Eve meal for my hubby and myself.  Yes today we begin Festivus celebrating.  

I am sure that there is no Festivus Eve but I decided to begin it since I now celebrate the holiday.  

It’s the holiday season; why not make the most by having fun. 

Instead of donating to The Human Fund; I donate to a veteran’s organization’s charity. This is a to a veteran’s food bank/pantry.  

It’s fun to come up with reasons to celebrate; have fun and make a difference in the lives of others. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day 29

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

   LEAVE QUARTERS at LOCAL    

           LAUNDROMAT 

I use the local laundromat.   I have been there when a person comes in and does not have change.  The change machine may be out of quarters.  The person then leaves to find a bank to obtain change. 

Why I say don’t you bring coins with you? You know you’ll need them.  Personally I take exactly what I need plus eight quarters extra.  

It would be nice to tape quarters to one of the smaller size washers for someone or even a few at a dryer.  

Everyone this time of year can use an extra dollar or two so why not help them out by leaving a few quarters at the laundromat.  

If you don’t want to leave quarters how about purchasing a laundromat basket or two from the dollar store and leave them instead. Put a note “Free Basket. FROM: Santa.”  Who wouldn’t like another basket to carry their clothes?  There have been times I could have used a second one myself after folding my clothes from the dryer.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your day. 

Tomorrow....buy Santa, elf or Christmas head pieces at a dollar store for family and friends.  

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 28

 SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

       TAKE SNACKS to a LOCAL VETERANS’S CLUB

In my area there are quite a few veteran’s organizations which have what is called canteen.  Members meet for regular meetings where the organizations programs are discussed.  In the canteen members meet to socialize.  All of the organizations which I hold membership do charity works within our community. The canteen area is where you can meet and have a beverage or snack and talk with other members.  

Why not drop off some snacks to a veteran’s club in your area.  A bag or two of pretzels; chips; peanuts or even Christmas cookies would be welcomed.  

Over the years I’ve donated pretzels 🥨; some spicy hot chips; salsa and chips; and a few large containers of a pub or snack mix. I handed out candy canes the same time. The veteran’s and guests were quite appreciative of the gesture.  It sort of became an impromptu party.  

Most who frequent the canteens are there for socializing.  Many are alone and just enjoy the companionship of being with veterans or those in their shoes. 

I have ordered special pretzels not found in Florida to take to two of the veteran’s organizations canteens.  I know they will enjoy; as well as enjoy the candy cane I give them. 

This is just one small way to say “thank you” to one who served our nation. 

Until tomorrow....the veterans will be enjoying a snack of jalapeño flavored pretzels and cheddar cheese flavored pretzels🥨🥨 which I ordered specially for them from the factory. See we don’t get this brand in Florida. 

Tomorrow.... leave quarters on a washing machine or dryer at local laundromat.  

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 27

   SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

    GIVE the BELL RINGER a BEVERAGE 

Bell ringers collecting donations in the kettles this time of year do not have it easy. There they stand outside a store or on a corner ringing the bell for hours at a time.  People walk right past them.  They act as if the ringer is invisible.  I usually throw in money on my way out of the store.  These days the ringers have a hard time collecting donations. Many use debit cards at the stores and don’t carry cash.  I know I’m one who does so.  What I generally have are a few one dollar bills in my pocket or carry a few quarters in my pocket this time of year. 

In cold weather; warm weather in Florida; there they stand day after day hoping to collect a few dollars for charity.  A nice gesture is to bring them a hot beverage or a cold one (depending on the weather in your area).  Don’t walk by without throwing a few coins in the kettle.  Each coin adds up and helps.  

Until tomorrow....I’ll be dropping in my coins today. 

Tomorrow....deliver some snacks to your local veteran’s canteen.  

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER... Day 26

  SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

    BUY an UGLY SWEATER to GIVE

FOOD BOX:

  DELIVER the ITEMS COLLECTED 

Today is the day you make the food bank/pantry delivery.  This is generally the days leading up to the holiday that it’s the busiest for them.  Your food items will be welcomed.  Of course remember you can make food donations all year. 

Ugly sweaters; ugly tee shirts and tops seem to be popular.  Today pick up one or two for a family member.  It’s a whimsical thing to do and might bring a smile to the face of the recipient.  Pick up one for yourself while you are at it.  You both can wear them same day; maybe at a lunch or dinner. 

Over the years I have given my husband an ugly tee shirt. Living in Florida it’s too warm for a sweater but I’ve found some really ugly tee shirts.  He’ll wear it once or twice before Christmas and then wait for a new one next year.  He has donated many of his shirts to thrift stores due to receiving one or two new ones each year.  

It’s fun to go out and be seen in the ugly sweater or tee shirt.  People and places  actually hosts parties where you have to wear one.  A few years back I came in second place with my ugly sweater (the accessories I wore) helped seal the deal. 

Take a photo of the person wearing the  sweater or shirt.  Make them a copy; put in a frame for them. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day. 

Tomorrow....give the bell ringers a beverage. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 25

  SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

     LEAVE a SURPRISE for YOUR MAIL 

           CARRIER 

   FOOD BOX item: 

    CAN of GREEN BEANS 

Postal employees work hard during this time of year.  Mail carriers try to finish their route promptly but there are times it can’t be done.  A few years ago my carrier delivered all the mail that fit in the mailbox; packages he came back to deliver later that afternoon or I should say evening.  I waited for him with a gift bag containing cookies; little bags of pretzels and two bottles cold water (it’s Florida where I live).  He appeared grateful for the surprise.  I found out a few days later he missed lunch so the pretzels tided him over as well as having a cold drink.  This was not a normal day for him.  It seemed he had more packages to deliver than usual.  We tend to, or some of us do, take our mail carrier for granted. We expect them to deliver our mail daily and in time.  To some of us they are just another fixture in the neighborhood.   No matter the weather they are out doing their job.  

Take a moment to appreciate them this year with a surprise.  You just might be making a bad day a bit better. 

Until tomorrow....have a great Monday 

Tomorrow....buy an ugly sweater for a family member.  

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER... Day 24

  SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

    PAY for COFFEE for NEXT PERSON in

       LINE

 FOOD BOX item:

   CAN of PEAS

   Make the day of a stranger.  Why not pay for the next person in the coffee lines drink. 

Stopping for a beverage while out doing errands is something most of us do.  We take a few minutes just to relax and unwind with a holiday blend coffee.  Sometimes we have a hot chocolate or even stop for a cold one.  If standing in line for coffee tell the person taking your order you want to pay for a coffee for the next person in line.  

I’ve done this a few times over the years and get a big thank you. That person usually will buy one for the next one behind them. 

I have stopped at my favorite watering hole one time. The next individual who came inside had a beverage purchased by me. 

I had been the recipient of a few free coffees over the years. Of course I paid it forward and know it made someone’s day a bit brighter. There is not much to say about this act of kindness.  You can do this at just about anywhere you are purchasing a hot beverage or even cold one. It’s up to you always how you do it. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your coffee. 

Tomorrow.....give your mail carrier a surprise. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 23

  SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

       INVITE a FRIEND for HOLIDAY MOVIE 

          NIGHT 

FOOD BOX item:

   CAN of TOMATOES

It’s Day 23 of spreading holiday cheer and a Saturday.  Why not call a friend or two for a night of fun.  Get together to watch a few holiday movies.  Many channels are showing movie after movie; or rent a DVD or two.  Ask your friend to bring their favorite movie.  Get eggnog (if eggnog drinkers) or other holiday beverage.  Pop up some popcorn; order pizza; make up some reindeer snack mix (recipe for different varieties can be found on the web).  

Sit back, relax and enjoy the fellowship of friends while loosing oneself in a movie.  

Personally I enjoy classics such as “A Christmas Carol”, “White Christmas”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street”.  Whatever you decide to watch remember it’s the act of spreading cheer and being with friends.  During the hustle of running here and there, a night to relax is what you and your friend/friends need.  This could be one of the best gifts you can give them.  Who knows it can become a tradition for years to come.  

Looking for holiday snacks and beverages to serve as I said before the web is full of ideas.  

I try to create my own holiday snack mix. It’s similar to what I make at Halloween except instead of candy corn, I use red and green M&M’s with chocolate and butterscotch chips.  

An acquaintance puts M&M’s in their popcorn and peanuts(only for those with no nut allergy).  

Snacks and beverages are part of the fun but it’s the movies and fellowship that are most important. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy movie night.  

Tomorrow....buy the next person in line a coffee.  

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 22

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

  TAKE a HOLIDAY PLANT (or two) to a NURSING HOME 

FOOD BOX item:

   DESSERT MIX

Today in the food box put in a dessert mix. It can be cake mix and frosting; cookie mix; pudding or jello or even one of each.  Dessert is part of the meal.  Everyone seems to enjoy dessert and it seems dessert items are not included in food donations.  

Nursing homes are a great place to spread holiday cheer.  They need a bit cheering up for their patients and even staff.  Find a place to purchase a poinsettia or two; a miniature Christmas tree; holiday bouquet or even Christmas cactus.  Take item/items to a local nursing home.  Explain to those in charge you’re trying to spread holiday cheer.  I am sure your donations will be welcomed.  Perhaps you can take one or two poinsettias or one poinsettia and another type holiday plant.  

In the past I actually donated vases of silk poinsettias that I put together myself.  A small bud vase with a few red and white poinsettias; I tied a red ribbon around the vase.  These ended up I heard into rooms of patients who needed to be cheered up.  

As always think out of the box on this act of spreading cheer.  You never know how your small gesture can help another. 

Before taking the items to the nursing hone you should call and speak with someone in charge.  Explain what you plan to do.  I don’t think you’ll get any objections on doing something nice.  The people in charge might even give you suggestions on type of holiday plant would work. 

Until tomorrow....get a poinsettia for yourself too. 

Tomorrow.....invite friend/ friends for holiday movie night. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 21

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

  GIVE SOMEONE a COMPLIMENT 

FOOD BOX item:

  CAN of FRUIT COCKTAIL 

Today give a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance or even stranger a compliment.  

The compliment can be something as simple as you look great in that outfit.  You are doing a great job.  Anything that would make them feel special if only just for a moment.  

Everyone likes to hear something nice about their self. It can lift a person’s spirits and give them a feeling of happiness inside. 

I remember last year I had told a harried waitress that she was doing a fantastic job that day.  I told a bartender they made a terrific specialty holiday drink.  An acquaintance had on a holiday shirt and I told them it was cute (it was).  

Just think about who you are complementing and let the compliment come to you. 

Whatever you do make sure the words do come from the heart and don’t sound forced. 

This morning I was texting with a friend about our busy day.  She does veteran’s volunteering.  She had yet another volunteer job she was doing that day. I told her she does awesome work and she is one in a million.  I am sure it made her day as sometimes we tend to forget thanking those who volunteer endlessly.  

Until tomorrow....take a poinsettia, holiday plant or flowers to a nursing home. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 20

   SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

LET SOMEONE GO AHEAD of YOU in LINE 

FOOD BOX Item:

CAN of YAMS or SWEET POTATOES 🍠 

I hate long lines at stores this time of year.  It seems the stores don’t hire enough holiday help or if they do, don’t have enough registers opened during peak shopping hours. 

Everyone is in a hurry; many are getting frustrated waiting.  Why not let someone go ahead of you today.  It can be at the coffee shop; the bank; grocery store or fast food take out place.  

Your kindness might trigger a reaction.  The person you let ahead of you just might do the same at another place; that person might do the same etc...

The other day someone let me ahead of them at the store.  When I said thank you she told me she’s just playing it forward. Someone let her ahead of them earlier that day.  I generally try to find a person who seems stressed out or one who is in one of those handicapped shopping carts.  I’ve also taken the motorized cart back into the store for people.  Another thing I’ve done is given a shopping cart to someone.  I shop where you pay a quarter to use a cart; then get it back after you return it to the cart area. Instead of getting my quarter back I’ve just given another person the cart so they don’t need to pay. I only that hope person gives the cart quarter free to the next individual.  

Hope you have a wonderful day and hope after you let someone ahead of you, someone will let you ahead of them. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day. 

Tomorrow....give a compliment to a friend or acquaintance. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 19

   SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

     PASS OUT CANDY CANES 

FOOD BOX item: 

  CAN of CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (or two)

   Candy canes are one of my favorite treats this time of year.  These days they aren’t just peppermint flavored anymore.  They come in chocolate flavor, Oreo flavored, Lifesaver flavored and mint chocolate flavor. 

I buy all for my give away day.  

Pick up some different flavors to pass out.  Everyone enjoys at least one candy cane during the holidays.  If you think the traditional size are a bit too large you can always pick up some miniature ones.  Give them out to co-workers, neighbors and whoever you see today.  

One year invested in adorable candy cane holders.  The recipients had the holder as a decoration for their tree.  You can also put them into an inexpensive Christmas card to give also.  

I have not spoke in these daily blogs about the food box.  I only list ideas on what would be good item for each day.  You can change the item if you so desire.  Each day a different item is listed that could used and welcomed.  Today I listed the chicken noodle soup but you can substitute vegetable or another type.  There are six days left in this project.  I look forward to delivering my box to food bank for homeless veterans.  

Until tomorrow....keep a candy cane or two for yourself to enjoy. 

Tomorrow....let someone go ahead of you in line. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 18

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

  GIVE SOMEONE HANDMADE COUPON for 

      FAVOR

FOOD BOX item:

    BOX of MACARONI and CHEESE (or two)

Gifts are a wonderful thing.  Material items or even monetary is welcome surprise.  What is even as good is a gift from the heart.  Over the years I have created handmade coupons.  They were more than welcomed by the recipient/recipients.   These can be for things such as running errands for someone; washing someone’s car; making a meal; bring dinner to someone or picking up pizza.  Mine included doing another persons chores; babysitting their children and cleaning the house for one day.  

It does not matter what you do for them; it’s the thought of giving of yourself and your time.  That in itself is worth more than anything you can buy for someone.  The favor you do possibly could give that person time to do something for their self. Perhaps an hour or two of just sitting back to relax; an unexpected trip to take in a movie; meet a friend for lunch.  

Have fun with this act of spreading joy; why not give out a coupon to more than one person. 

Until tomorrow...enjoy your day. 

Tomorrow....pass out candy canes at work or where you go today. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day 17

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER 

   TAPE CHANGE to a VENDING MACHINE with a NOTE with the WORDS ‘FROM ME to YOU’

FOOD BOX ITEM:

   CAN of TOMATO SOUP 

Tape change to a vending machine with a note with the words ‘FROM ME to YOU’.

You can either find a vending machine at your work place (if they have one); perhaps outside a store where there’s a soda machine; any place that has vending machine.  Most items are a dollar so leaving quarters would be the way to go.   

What I did was leave an small plastic sandwich bags filled with eight quarters last year at the water station. Filling gallon jugs with water cost a quarter.  I taped the bag with a note to use one quarter and leave rest for next person and MERRY CHRISTMAS.   I am not sure if someone only used one or not, but it’s the idea.  I’ll probably do the same again this year as many do fill water jugs in my area.  

It’s the season for giving and spreading joy. 

Wherever you are that might have a vending machine, tape the change.  You will be making someone’s day.  Who knows they may play it forward. 

Until tomorrow....going to water station with twelve quarters this year. 

Tomorrow....give a handmade coupon to someone to do favor for in future.