YEAR END REFLECTIONS....Day Five

December 31st...Day 5 ‘YEAR END REFLECTIONS’

It’s New Year’s Eve.  Today is the last day of the year; the last day of a decade. A new year begins at mid-night; three hundred and sixty-six days to start anew.  The extra day is due to this is a Leap Year.  I wrote a piece in 2012 about goals for a new year.  This was composed on the sixth day of the new year.  A very true event caused me to write this. Today as we celebrate the end of one year and beginning of a new, think  about the verse.  If making goals, aspirations or intentions for 2020, the advice in the poem will be helpful.  Don’t give up if you break a resolution; begin again. 

Until tomorrow....Happy New Year!

GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

© Scottie-ann Murphy

The ball drops in Times Square each year 

at the stroke of midnight 

  one year ends....another year begins

To ourselves we make New Year’s 

    resolutions 

   promises to change....to make our lives    

         better

     or to do something we may have wanted 

        but never took the opportunity 

We may decide to loose weight,

 begin an exercise routine 

  save more money....spend less

    or take time to stop and smell the flowers

These good intentions we begin on the first 

     day of the year

       hoping each day to see these through 

Unfortunately by February first, many have      

      been broken

Aspirations made on January first seem 

       attainable at the time

The objectives we begin at the start of the 

      New Year 

      gives us feelings of accomplishment 

We begin to eat healthy, start the exercise 

       routine

take up the hobby and make life changes

  these objectives are King term

When we break one or two....we become     

     defeated 

      failing in our Big Plan

Instead of abandoning our new goals 

 we should pick up the broken pieces....

  and begin anew

Each year I make goals that I hope to 

    accomplish 

My intentions this year will be to re-start 

    those I break

Then again....maybe long term goals should 

     not be in my plan

Perhaps I should make a list of intentions....

    then try to conquer only one each month

My first goal for the New Year....I will write in 

     my journal EVERYDAY 

Today, the sixth of January....

    Item one on my list has already been 

         broken 

YEAR END REVIEW....Day Four

December 30th....Day 4 ‘YEAR END REVIEW’

Today think about what goals you want to accomplish in the coming year.  Are your intentions reasonable?  Can you achieve them or will they fall by the roadside?

Each year we try to keep goals; make aspirations or good intentions.  We swear to ourselves we will keep them but sometimes we just slip a bit.  When they does occur we feel we have failed.  We don’t begin and try again.  Perhaps this year you should make short term goals or good intentions.  Write down these goals and review them every other month.  Did you follow through on them so far?  Did you start out on a good track, but somehow got waylaid?  Remember you can always start again.  That’s the best thing about each day, a new opportunity to do things differently.  

Try something new for the coming year. Keep a journal of how your intentions for the are going.  Write a few sentences each day.  Include positive as well as negative things that happened.  Review the journal at the end of each month. If you forget to write one day, don’t give up. Just begin the entries again. That’s been my big problem in years past; I started out with the fact I’d journal each day but somehow skip a day or two then forget about it.  This year I am determined to follow my own advice to you. If I skip a day or two, just begin again. I’ll pick up where I left off and journal again. 

Until tomorrow....think about what you plan to do the last day of this year and last day if this decade. 

                    NEW YEARS

               © Scottie-ann Murphy

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

   Even though the old year has not yet 

              ended 

        We think about goals for the year 

              ahead

Year coming....what will our future hold

   Each year we make new objectives to our      

      lives 

      Accomplishing them at times....quite   

            difficult

          Reasons our aspirations are left   

               incomplete at years end

                Still each year we aim to complete 

                       these goals

YEAR END REFLECTIONS....Day Three

December 29th...Day 3 ‘YEAR END REFLECTIONS’

Let’s look back today to the year in review.  Think back to all the good things that occurred in your life these past twelve months; then think about things that were not so good during the year.  Get a pen and paper; make two lists.  Label one “Positive Things”; label the other “Negative Things”.  As you think back to each month, make a check mark for each positive thing and negative thing under the appropriate category.  Which category won out?  Were there things in the negative column that could have been positive if circumstances were different?  As I reviewed my two columns I thought about each check mark as I made it.  I realized I could not control many in the negative column but knew some I may have been able to do differently.     

We are not in control of certain factors such as the loss of a love one, friend or acquaintance.  We are not in control of the weather (snow/ice storms, hurricanes etc..).  

Many of my negative check marks dealt with the uncontrollable weather, loss of someone and getting sick.  Many of my negative check marks were just events or circumstances that I could not control.  I looked at my positive column.  I found a few that if done differently could have been in the negative column.  You need to make good choices each and every day.  The coming year is a Leap Year, you have three hundred and sixty-six opportunities to have a good day or bad day. It’s up to you. 

Until tomorrow....think about what goals you want to accomplish in the coming year. 

YEAR END REFLECTIONS....Day Two

December 28th....Day 2 ‘YEAR END REFLECTIONS’

Yesterday I blogged about reviewing your list of resolutions for the past year.  As you made your review did you ever wonder why they were not completed.  Think back to other years and resolutions you made.  Concentrate on those resolutions you kept;  if not why did you fail.  Do you make the same ones year after year?  Do you begin, fail, then make them for the following year.  Resolutions need to be, as I’m sure I said prior, realistic.  As you think about past goals, think ahead to the coming year.  Write down your good intentions for the new year.  Put the new list aside.  

Each year I begin a personal journal.  I day to myself, ‘I’m going to write in it daily’; unfortunately I go about two weeks straight then end up skipping a day. Do I begin again not always. It seems I make this same goal tear in and year out. As I type these words to you, in the back of my mind I’m thinking about all goals and good intentions I’ve made over the years and never kept. Think about yours too.  

Until tomorrow....have a great day. 

YEAR END REFLECTIONS.... Day One

December 27th...Day 1 of ‘YEAR END REFLECTIONS’

Today is the second day of Kwanza.  The sixth day of HANUKKAH as well as the sixth day of YULETIDE and the third day of TWELVETIDE.  It’s also the first day I’m labeling ‘YEAR END REFLECTIONS’.  Today let’s begin to reflect on the past year.  Let’s reflect on our goals and aspirations for 2019; all we have accomplished and all we may have not fulfilled.  I’ve always said RESOLUTIONS is not what we should make at the beginning of a new year.  Resolutions are in my opinion a declaration to ones self that ‘I RESOLVE’.  If you fall short or break the resolution/resolutions made you feel as if you failed. I like to tell people to make goals for the year or good intentions or even aspirations. With an intention, it’s mostly like saying “I intend to do this or that”.  If you don’t it doesn’t seem like failure. The same with goals.  You made a goal; you try your best to complete it.  With aspirations, you aspire to do something.  If your aspirations, intentions or goals fall short you at least tried. You can always begin again if you fall short.  Many New Years resolutions are made.  Once a person feels they have not kept it, they give up.  

Today think back on any resolutions, goals, intentions or aspirations you made for 2019.   

Write them down then forget about the list for a day. 

Until tomorrow....hope you had a wonderful Christmas; if celebrating Hanukkah hope the eights days have been good so far; and if celebrating Kwanza hope your days will be filled with joy.  

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

December 26th....Day One After Christmas 

Today is the first day of Kwanza; as well as the second day of TWELVETIDE.  Twelvetide runs from December 25th to January 5th. It’s also the fifth day of Hanukkah and the fifth day of Yuletide. 

Yesterday was Christmas.  Being just my husband and myself, now that we live in Florida (our family is still up north), we don’t celebrate as we once did.  We still try to keep some of the same traditions for just us two; a Christmas Eve meal of seafood; ham on Christmas Day lunch; kielbasa for our morning.  We belong to many veterans and benevolent organizations.  One of our veterans organizations had a bring a coveted dish lunch for Christmas.  They supplied ham and turkey, those attending were to bring a covered dish. It is done for those who are alone and have no place else to go; they would come there to be with others in the same situation. It’s nice that the organization does something for members to celebrate the holiday instead of being alone.  They did the same for Thanksgiving. In years past I attended the holiday meals at one of the veterans clubs in my area but sometimes I’d rather my husband and I just stay home.  People come to these dinners then complain if there is something being served they don’t like; or there isn’t something available they want; the food isn’t cooked to their perfection or there were not sufficient desserts.  For these individuals I must bite my tongue from not saying something about their complaints.  I could remind them they could have gone to a restaurant or stayed home, but I keep quiet.  It’s hard for me not to give them a word or two about their whining. After all they go to these free dinners and should know the score by now. Those who don’t bring a dish to pass it share generally put a few dollars into the donation container.   I’ve seen people leave a dollar; where else can you go for a holiday dinner for a dollar.  I’ve brought dish to pass in the past years and left a decent donation.   This year we decided to stay home for dinner but go out after the dinner ended to see how big the crowd attending.  We found many came at the designated time the meal served; they ate their fill; took a to go box and leave.  I have no problem with a to go box but please wait till the end of the dinner just in case there are late arrivals.  Enough said I think.  

As for my act of spreading cheer for day twenty-six, I went up to each person I encountered and said “Merry Christmas”.  I then left a generous supply of candy canes and chocolates for everyone to take if they so desired.   

As we wind down the year and begin to prepare for New Years celebrations, please remember it’s still the season of Christmas. Good deeds and acts of spreading cheer can still be a part of your routine.  Kindness is not just a seasonal act; kindness is each and every day.  

Until tomorrow....begin to reflect on the past year and what you’d like to accomplish in the year ahead. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-Six

December 25th....Day 26 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Today is CHRISTMAS Day!

It’s been a great twenty-five days of SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’.  I plan to keep this tradition in 2020.  Although the number of days maybe different as it depends on when Thanksgiving will be celebrated in 2020. 

I hope you enjoyed your acts of spreading cheer.  I certainly had fun.  I’ll be changing up the acts of spreading cheer for 2020. May delete one or two and add something else in its place. 

Yesterday I gave a card with a gift card to a dollar mart type store.  The person I gave it to was more than surprised as I had not seen them for quite awhile.  I knew this person was a shopper there, so it was welcomed.  

Beginning tomorrow I’ll be blogging about the coming year and the years end. Stay tuned to this blog. 

Until tomorrow....A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you.  Tomorrow is the first day of Kwanza. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-Five

December 24th....Day 25 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Give Christmas/Holiday card and small gift to someone who would not expect it. 

It’s Christmas Eve. Many will be working at least half day. I know the only time I had Christmas Eve off from work was when I won the vacation day lottery or Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday or Sunday. Today give a co-worker (if you work) or another person an unexpected card and gift.  The gift can be anything from a gift card for ten dollars   to a grocery store, drug store chain, coffee shop; or give a box of chocolates, stuff animal or just anything.  Last year I recall giving a gift card to a drug store chain. The recipient told me it helped when purchasing cold medicine later that month.  A few grocery stores have a BOGO on chocolate candy around now.  You can give one box to someone and keep the second for yourself or give that away also.  Yes we’ve done that in years past. We actually gave one box as a surprise and took the second to a Christmas Day lunch.  Let your imagination run wild on the act of cheer for today. 

Yesterday was a really fun filled day. We began with passing out Christmas cards with a little ornament to three different places. We also celebrated FESTIVUS.  Giving of gifts is not one of the things done for that weird/wacky holiday, so instead we decided to give each person we saw a miniature chocolate; then a small card to tell them HAPPY FESTIVUS we made adonation in your name to the human fund. (What we did actually was give a monetary donation to a veterans organization instead.)   It was just a whimsical thing and fun thing to do. No one took us seriously which was even better. 

Until tomorrow...MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE.  

Heads Up

Day 26... ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-Four

December 23rd....Day 24 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Do so my fun with family member or friend

It’s down to the wire for ‘Spreading Holiday Cheer’.  Today is December twenty-third; the weird/wacky holiday today (one of them) is FESTIVUS.   If you don’t know what that is, do an internet search.  I was a big fan of the television show that introduced us to the holiday.  The past few years, I’ve celebrated with a few of the things that is listed as celebration.   This is a fun holiday as it’s so wacky and weird that I’ll be doing something fun with my husband today. 

Something fun can be anything you decide. One year we dressed up like Santa and an elf and went to lunch.  We passed out small items to people we encountered.  Another time we shopped and purchased gag gifts for members of our family.  It doesn’t matter what you decide to do as fun; but just do it. You can watch a holiday movie; make popcorn; wear Santa hats while doing so.  After all the stress you may have encountered during this time of year to prepare for the holidays, take time out for FUN!  Unwind and enjoy the day. 

Yesterday we donned our ugly shirts; put on whimsical hats/headgear and went to ugly shirt event.  There we passed out candy canes to everyone we saw.  This year I went with flavored candy canes as opposed to the traditional peppermint.  A good time was had.  

Until tomorrow....it’s Christmas Eve.  Merry Christmas Eve. 

Heads Up Day 25

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Give Christmas/holiday card and small gift to someone who would not expect it 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-Three

December 22nd....Day 23 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Pass out candy canes

Today is the first day of HANUKKAH. HAPPY HANUKKAH!  It’s also the first day of YULETIDE.  Hanukkah runs until December 30th.   Yuletide ends January 2nd. 

I keep a storage bag (large size) in my purse during the holidays. This year I added two bags of peppermint sticks.  I’ve been offering the patrons at my veteran’s club a peppermint stick since December first. Today I have different varieties of candy canes (no I did not go with the kale or pickle flavored).  This year I found cinnamon flavored which were delicious (I had to try them first).  I added them to my bag.  Later I’ll give them out as I go places today.  Candy canes have come a long way in flavors since I was young. They aren’t just peppermint anymore. I’ve had mocha flavored, chocolate and mint, sour and even raspberry flavored.  If you are purchasing them for today check out the different flavors.  Of course the standard peppermint is always the best bet.  There are some individuals who feel candy canes should stay one flavor only.  You can buy either the regular size or the miniature ones.  I’ve done both.  Have fun doing this. Who doesn’t enjoy a candy cane during this time of year? To make this even more fun, wear a Santa hat and a holiday shirt. 

Yesterday I gave my husband an ugly tee shirt.  He plans to wear it today to an ugly tee shirt/sweater/sweatshirt event.  He even got himself a ball cap with a line from a holiday/Christmas movie.  Does he expect to win a prize NO but he plans to have fun. He has a container of candy canes he’ll give out. 

Until tomorrow....it’s Festivus Eve just in case you’re interested. We’ll be decorating our pole later today for tomorrow. 

Heads Up Day 

Day 24 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Do something fun with family member or friend. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-Two

December 21st....Day 22 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Purchase an ugly tee shirt/sweater/sweatshirt for a family member or friend

Day 22

FOOD BOX

Deliver your food box to local food pantry

Many areas may not have food pantry right in their town or close by.  You can always donate the food to perhaps a local church. Many in the area where I reside have food collections.  Call ahead before you take the items there but I’m certain they will not turn away a box of food donation. 

Here’s a list of the twenty-one item in case you missed any days. 

     Food Box

11/30   Day 1...Box of cereal 

12/1   Day 2....Jar of peanut butter

12/2   Day 3...Stuffing mix

12/3  Day 4...Box of instant potatoes

12/4  Day 5...Macaroni & cheese

12/5  Day 6....Can of  fruit cocktail

12/6  Day 7....Box of  crackers 

12/7   Day 8...Dessert mix

12/8   Day 9....Jar of applesauce 

12/9   Day 10....Can of tuna

12/10  Day 11...Cranberry sauce

12/11   Day 12....Jar of spaghetti sauce

12/12    Day 13....Package pasta

12/13    Day 14...Can of green beans

12/14   Day 15....Canned tomatoes 

12/15   Day 16....Can of tomato soup

12/16    Day 17....Can of corn

12/17    Day 18....Package of oatmeal

12/18    Day 19....Box of breakfast bars 

12/19    Day 20....Can of chicken noodle

       soup

12/20     Day 21....Package of rice

Today buy either an ugly tee shirt, sweater or sweatshirt for a family member or friend. These items are quite popular and are a fun holiday item to wear.  It not need be gaudy that they would not wear it; but find something funny, cute and whimsical.   While you’re at it get the recipient a pair of socks and a holiday themed hat or head piece to wear with the shirt or sweater.  I’ve already received two whimsical tee shirts a few weeks ago. This was on the list to give by the person I received the shirts.  I paired both with Christmas socks and a headband.   It’s been fun wearing them out and about the past weeks.  The recipient of today’s act has a few days yet to enjoy the shirt or sweater you give to them.  The reason behind not just an ugly sweater as there are sweatshirts available in colder weather states; in warmer weather states (where I live) a tee shirt works well. Just don’t buy one to give away, get one for yourself also. 

Yesterday I had left larger tips while eating out.  The poor server seemed to be hustling around; I was not even at the eatery during a peak time. Later I stopped at a veterans club where the bartender was busy also.  A larger tip left for that person. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your day. Have fun picking out an ugly shirt or sweater. 

Tomorrow December 22nd is the first day of HANUKKAH.

Heads Up Day 23

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Pass out candy canes

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Twenty-One

December 20....Day 21 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Leave a bigger tip for a server

Day 21 FOOD BOX

Package of rice

Today is the final item for the FOOD BOX.  The final item is a box or package of rice.  It can be instant rice or minute rice as soon call it; long cooking rice or even a few packages of a rice side dish.  With the rice being added today, you should have twenty-one different items.  A few I duplicated such as the canned goods and crackers but I have all twenty-one items.

Today your act of spreading cheer is to leave a bigger tip to a server.  During this time of year those who work in restaurants are overwhelming busier than ever. As many shop till they drop; these individuals will want to stop somewhere for a refuel to their bodies. They can also be cantankerous without realizing; making their food server taking the brunt of their mood.  Realize the food servers work hard to serve you. Many depend on tips to help pay bills etc... So during the holiday season why not just leave a little more than usual. This little extra might help with a holiday purchase for them.  

I surprised my mechanic with two boxes of goodies yesterday.  The treats were well received as I got there right before lunch; they had a dessert to enjoy.  Another customer arrived with subs from a local shop.  Funny one would think we planned this together.  

Until tomorrow....have a great Friday.  

Heads Up Day 22

FOOD BOX 

Deliver the food box to local food pantry

Day 22...‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Purchase an ugly Christmas tee shirt/sweater/sweatshirt for family member or friend

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER......Day Twenty

December 19th....Day 20

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Take a treat of holiday goodies to your auto mechanic

Day 20

FOOD BOX

Can of chicken noodle soup

Only one day left for the FOOD BOX items. Today your item is can of chicken noodle soup. Perhaps two cans especially when you can get soup on sale. You might even look into a large can of the soup. 

Your auto mechanic keeps your vehicle safe and in the road. These days mechanics need to have quite a bit of knowledge for the cars today.  They can be a bit stressed at times.  We tend to take them for granted at times; or it seems.  They are there when the oil needs changed; they are there to repair problems.  Why not thank them with holiday goodies. A cookie platter; basket of bagels and cream cheese or perhaps sub sandwiches for lunch.  Whatever you decide to do you will make their day. 

Yesterday I purchased a few Santa hats. One had the words NAUGHTY on it. I gave it to an acquaintance who tends bar.  She had recently given me two Christmas tee shirts. It was just my payback to her.  The other hats went to few other acquaintances who I felt needed some holiday cheer. 

Until tomorrow....keep up your acts of spreading cheer.  You might not know whose day you made better.  

Heads Up Day 21

FOOD BOX

Package of rice

Day 21

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Leave a bigger tip for a server

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day Nineteen

Day 19....December 18th

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Purchase a Santa hat or two to give to someone.  

Day 19

FOOD BOX

Box of cereal bar or breakfast bars

Breakfast bars or cereal bars are a good and quick morning thing to eat.  Sometimes you just don’t have time for anything else.  There are a few options available to making this FOOD BOX purchase.  You can decide which would suit you best to give.  I am putting the ones with grain and fruit in my box.  They can also be used for snacks in some instances.  After we were hit by a hurricane few years ago a local church came around in my neighborhood passing out boxes of food items. The grain and fruit cereal bars were one item I was grateful to have. I could carry them in my purse for a quick pick-me-up snack. 

Today pick up a Santa hat or two.  They are inexpensive at dollar stores.  Give them to someone you see today; friend, family member, server at restaurant or scored-worker the possibilities are up to you. 

Yesterday I took a container of bakery store cookies to my neighbor.  They were surprised to receive them.  I did admit that they were purchased.  The neighbor did not seem to mind but happily accepted the gift. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your day. 

Heads Up Day 20

FOOD BOX

Can of chicken noodle soup

Day 20 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Take a treat of holiday goodies to your auto mechanic 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Eighteen

December 17th....Day 18 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Take cookies to a neighbor

Day 18

FOOD BOX

Box of oatmeal 

Today I’m going to blog about the FOOD BOX before I write about the act of cheer for today.  The box of oatmeal can be the large container found in the store that reminds me of a drum for sone reason. Growing up I always called the box a drum.  Why? I have no answer.  Of course when you see oatmeal in the grocery stores today you find not only the original that you cook over the stove but you find instant that you microwave.  Also it seems since I was a child, you now get the oatmeal in flavors.  Today when you put the item in the FOOD BOX, decide which type to donate. Think about what you’d enjoying having and make your decision.  

Not everyone is a baker, I sure am not.  So today, if you are a baker, make a batch of cookies for your neighbor.  You can always purchase the slice and bake ones you find in the store or pick up a nice selection from the bakery or bakery section of the grocery store.  Perhaps cookies is not your idea of a treat, how about a dozen brownies or other treats such as eclairs.  It’s the thought of doing an unexpected act of kindness for your neighbor.  My neighbor had surprised my husband and me a few time over this year.  One day she brought us a plate of chocolate chip cookies and another time cookies from the store bakery.  It’s up to you to decide what to take to your neighbor. 

Yesterday I left quarters at two washers and two dryers at the laundromat.  I got there early (right when it opened) to do so.  As I was not using the facility I left immediately.  While driving off the premises I noticed a car pulling into the parking area.  I hope this person found my surprise.  

Until tomorrow....only few days left to spread holiday cheer. 

Heads Up Day 19

FOOD BOX

Box of breakfast bars

Day 19....‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Purchase a Santa hat or two.  Give them to someone to wear. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Seventeen

December 16th....Day 17 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Tape a few quarters to a washer or dryer at the laundromat.  Leave a note with the words ‘Merry Christmas’

Day 17...FOOD BOX

Can of corn

There are many who will arrive at the laundromat and not have change for the machines.  They tend to rely on the change machine having it, but there are times the change machine is out of change or not operating.  This happens more than you’d imagine.  These people ask other patrons for change. What I don’t understand is that if you’re going to be doing laundry at the laundromat you should know to have change for the machines.  Since this is the season for goodwill and spreading cheer; tape quarters to a few of the washers or dryers with a note with the words ‘Merry Christmas’.  I done this last year.  A few weeks after Christmas when I went again to the laundromat.  A woman there began to tell me how she found quarters for two washers and a nice note with them right before Christmas. I replied that was nice if someone to leave it.  She said she then left quarters to pay it forward at two dryers.  I did not mention I was the person who left the original quarters. A good deed can trigger a chain reaction.  Of course you have to be sneaky about leaving the change to be found.  

As for yesterday I ended opening and holding three doors for individuals.  Two said thank you but the third just walked on past me as if my job was to hold the door for them.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day. 

Heads Up Day 18

FOOD BOX 

Package of oatmeal

Day 18....‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Take cookies to a neighbor

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Sixteen

December 15th....Day 16 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Hold the door open for someone 

Day 15....FOOD BOX 

Can of tomato soup

It doesn’t sound like much, but holding open a door for someone could be a truly wonderful gesture.  There are some that do this on a daily basis, but then others who do not.  Most places these days do have automatic doors opening; but many places still have doors you need to open yourself.  Why not hold the door for an individual/individuals entering or even exiting. A small act of kindness can go a long way.  Perhaps the person or persons for whom the you held will do the same later today or during the week. This could start a chain reaction of others doing an act of kindness.  I’ve opened doors many times and some have said “Thank You”.  To those who acknowledged my kind act I’ve replied with a “You’re welcome”.  There have been many who said nothing to me; it would seem they expected I was to open the door for them. 

Today’s food item is can of tomato soup. Why not give more than one. One can can help but two can even be better.  You can find large cans of soups at most stores.  I have stocked up on soups during sales. 

Yesterday I met up with few people I had seen for awhile. It was a nice visit having a beverage and just talking away.  We realize we need to get together again in the coming year; will try to make plans to get together on a monthly event. 

Until tomorrow...keep spreading the cheer. 

Heads Up Day 17

FOOD BOX

Can of corn

Day 17....‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Tape a few quarters to a washer or dryer at a laundromat.  Leave a note with the words ‘Merry Christmas’

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day Fifteen

December 14th....Day 15 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Invite someone you have not seen for awhile for a coffee date. 

Day 15

FOOD BOX

Canned tomatoes 

There are individuals we just may not see on a daily or even weekly basis.  We possibly speak with on the phone, email, personal message or text them on occasion.  Today why not call them to inquire if they have time for a coffee date.  Well it need not be coffee; it could be egg nog, hit chocolate or even a holiday cocktail.  Whatever you decide to do it will no doubt be a good time catching together.  An hour or two to get away from a hectic day or an hour or two of just getting away from perhaps a dull daily routine can be just what someone needs.  Who knows, this could become an every once in awhile day out for the both of you. Make this even more interesting and bring them a little Christmas gift.  It doesn’t have to be extravagant but something to let you know you are thinking of them. 

Yesterday I took a few books to the library friends store.  These were in excellent condition but ones I knew they had on the library bookshelves.  Of course no trip to the friends bookstore goes without a browse around the place.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your coffee date.  

Heads Up Day 16

FOOD BOX 

Can of tomato soup

Day 16 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Hold door open for someone today

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Fourteen

December 13th....Day 14 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Donate a book/ books to local library; or give books you have read to the friends of the library bookstore for resale

Day 14....FOOD BOX

Can of green beans

 

Libraries need donations to keep them operating.  A book or books donated make a wonderful addition to their shelves.  During this time of year a good donation would be a story based on the holidays.   As a reader I during December I read holiday themed books.  They are generally light hearted and easy reads.  These themed books might make a good donation to your local library.  Of course the library will review the book/books you donate for content so bring something appropriate.   Many libraries have a ‘Friends of the Library’ group who helps with fundraising events. They collect books during the year for their book sales. A few libraries I know have a friends bookstore.  They sell used books all through the year.  If you have books you no longer are reading, why not donate them to the friends bookstore.  Someone I’m sure would be interested in your donation.  

My act of cheer yesterday actually began at home.  I gave my husband two miniature stockings a few bite size candy bars inside. He found it waiting by the computer yesterday morning when he went to turn on the system.  I left a small note that let him know the items were his. He was surprised; just what I had hoped he’d be. 

Until tomorrow....keep spreading cheer.  

Heads Up Day 15

FOOD BOX

Canned tomatoes 

Day 15 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Invite someone you have not seen for awhile for a coffee date 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day Thirteen

December 12th.....Day 13 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Purchase a few Christmas stockings from a dollar or discount store.  Put something inside then give to someone as a little Thursday surprise. 

Day 13.....FOOD BOX

Package of pasta

It’s  Friday eve my term for Thursday.  We look forward to the weekend and anticipate Friday. Celebrate Friday Eve with someone. What a nice gesture but to give one or two individuals a Christmas stocking with a whimsical item inside.  Dollar stores or discount stores have a nice variety of stockings from which to choose.  Purchase one or two.  They can be small or large whatever you decide to buy.  Smaller ones will hold a candy bar or miniature candy canes. A larger will hold some item that would be whimsical.  How about a coloring book and crayons as something funny or a little stuff animal.  A few days ago an acquaintance gave me a little elf he purchased at a dollar type store. He purchased quite a few and gave out as a whimsical gift.  This was his spreading of cheer act for that day.  Whimsical items can bring a laugh to the recipient.  Another person gave me a bottle of bubbles in a stocking a few days ago (their act of spreading cheer). It was fun opening the bottle; blowing on the wand and watch as the bubbles floated in the air.  Whatever you decide to put in the stocking will make the recipients day. 

Yesterday I gave gift card to my local animal shelter.  After calling to inquire what they needed, they gave me item list but said they’d accept gift card to pet supply store or even cash.  I decided on the gift card. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Wednesday.  

Heads up Day 14

FOOD BOX

Can of green beans

Day 14....‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Donate book/books to local library or give already read books to library resale book store