SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Five

December 4th....Day 5 

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Bring neighbors garbage cans in for them or do chore for neighbor

Day 5...FOOD BOX

 Box of Macaroni and Cheese

Not everyone puts out trash receptacles but in my neighborhood we do.  It’s funny that I put this as the act of spreading cheer for today as it is garbage pick-up day in my neighborhood.   As I look out at both the blue receptacle and the yellow recycling receptacle, I wonder how many of my neighbors will rush to put theirs back in their yard as soon as the trucks complete the pick-up.  I don’t rush out right away, but generally it’s an hour afterwards.  Once in awhile my one neighbor brings mine back to me before I get a chance.  I’m hoping I can return the favor but as of yet the garbage men have not yet arrived.  

Of course today might not be your garbage pick-up day or you may not be using receptacles but bags.  Another chore for your neighbor could work as well for the act for today.  

Helping your neighbor is a wonderful way to show them you think of them.  Even though you may live next door or few houses away, you sometime really don’t know your neighbor and they might not know you either.  This is a good chance to do a kind gesture; one that would be unexpected.  

On Day 4, I stood waiting in a beverage line.  All I could think of was taking that first sip of my hazelnut coffee.  Behind me stood a man who seemed in a hurry; as I paid for my coffee I told the server to take out enough money for pay for the man’s drink.  After receiving my drink, I hurried out of the coffee shop before he could say anything to me.  I don’t want “a thank you” or want   anyone to make a big production over the fact of what I did.  

Until tomorrow think about what you plan to do for your neighbor.  

Heads up for Day 6 FOOD BOX

  Can of Fruit

Day 6 of ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Donate money to local veteran’s organization for their homeless veterans fund/hospital veterans fund/wounded veterans fund. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER....Day Four

December 3rd....Day Four

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Buy coffee or beverage for next person in line at coffee shop

Day 4...FOOD Box

Box of instant potatoes 

Standing waiting at times for a cup of coffee, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, tea or any beverage can be frustrating at times during the year but especially during the holiday season.  You need that beverage perhaps to relax for a few moments.  Perhaps you’re taking it to go and are in a hurry.  No doubt you are not the only one and the person behind is also.  It’s the holiday; buy them that beverage.  A small gesture can make their day.  If you’re in a drive through why not pay for the next persons drink. It does not matter if you’re in a car line or standing in a line, just spread that cheer.  

Yesterday I took a few toys to a local toy drop off box.  There are places to purchase toys at a reasonable price.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, your toy may be the only one they receive this holiday.  I noticed the box was beginning to get full and a second one had been added.  You can always donate cash or gift card to a toy sponsored drive.  The organizers can go out to make purchase of toys. 

Until tomorrow....keep up ‘spreading holiday cheer’.

Heads up for Day 5 FOOD BOX

   Box of Macroni & Cheese

Day 5 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

   Take in neighbors trash cans or do chore for neighbor. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER...Day Three

December 2nd....Day 3

‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

   Donate Toys to a Toy Drive

DAY 3....FOOD BOX

  Box of Stuffing Mix

Many organizations collect toys for a toy drive each December.  I’ve always donated a new toy or money to one of these events. One thing I was never certain about was if the items stayed within my own community or even county.  It was after I moved to Florida I began to wonder.  The past few years I became involved with two different toy drive events.  Both businesses donate the toys within the community/county where the drives are held. 

Giving a one toy or if possible two, can make a child’s Christmas.  Many families are struggling to keep food on the table, clothes on their backs and roof over their head. There is just no extra funds for other items. The toy you donate could be the only one the child receives for Christmas.  Find an organization or group involved with a toy drive; find out if they need toys or cash donation.  Just think about the joy you might be giving to a needy child.  

Yesterday I let a woman with two children who stood behind me at the food store go ahead of me. She had a large buggy of groceries and the children under six years of age seemed to be rambunctious.  She was quite appreciative and could not say ‘thank you’ enough.  I explained that it’s the season of goodwill and perhaps she’d play it forward sometime. 

Until tomorrow have a wonderful day. 

HEADS UP for Day 4 FOOD BOX

   Box Instant Potatoes 

Day 4....‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

   Buy coffee or beverage for next person in line at a coffee shop 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day Two

December 1st....Day 2

   ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Let someone go ahead of you in a line

Day 2....FOOD BOX

    Jar of Peanut Butter 

You maybe standing in line at a place to purchase gas; you maybe Christmas shopping; perhaps you are in line at a coffee or donut shop.  It does not matter where you might be waiting in line today, let the person behind you go first.  It’s an unexpected act of kindness and goodwill during the season; an act they probably would never expect. This little gesture could possible start a reaction in days ahead.  Could happen the person you let ahead of you will do so on another day. This time of year everyone is in a hurry.  We need to take a moment to stop and enjoy the season.  

Yesterday my act of ‘spreading holiday cheer’ went well.  The individuals who received the cards and candy were not only pleased but utterly surprised at the gesture.   What I ended up doing is giving the one person a container of Christmas Candy Corn or as I once saw it advertised Reindeer Corn. The candy corn for the holidays is naturally red, green and white.  The other received a bag of peppermint sticks.  

It’s what the ‘spreading of holiday cheer’ is all about.  It’s the look of surprise on the face of others who are recipients of the act and their reaction.  Not only that but it is the feeling you feel inside after you do the act of cheer. 

Where will you be today to let someone go ahead of you?  Until tomorrow enjoy your Sunday and this first day of December.  Only twenty-four days until Christmas.  

     

HEADS UP for Day 3 FOOD BOX

  Box of Stuffing Mix

Day 3 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

  Donate toys to a toy drive

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER.....Day One

November 30th...Day One

   ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’ 

   Make a Card for Love One, Friend, Acquaintance or Neighbor

Day One FOOD BOX....Box of Cereal 

Most everyone enjoys receiving something handmade.  There are those who act as if they don’t, but deep inside they do.  A handmade card lets the individual know that they mean something to you.  You took the time to create it; instead of purchasing one from a store.  It’s easy to create a card from a computer or you could do it by hand.   The card does not have to be holiday related. It can be a ‘Hello, How You Doing?’ or a ‘Thinking of You Card. The wording inside need not be sentimental.  Just a simple heartfelt greeting will work as well.  I came up with two cards today.  They will be given out later in the day to two individuals who I think need someone to say ‘Hey Enjoy the Day’.  In fact the cards have a snowman on one and snow scene on the other.  Inside I put the words “Just a Hello.  Hope You’re Having Great Day.”  I’ll probably put a peanut butter and chocolate Christmas tree with each as an extra treat; but then again I may have another idea for a surprise. I’ll be out and about ‘Spreading Cheer’ later today. 

This will be unexpected and I know they both will enjoy the fact it was done for no particular reason. 

When you do your ‘spreading cheer’ today, think about what you’d enjoy receiving. 

Until tomorrow have a great day. 

HEADS UP for Day 2 FOOD BOX

    Jar of Peanut Butter

DAY TWO ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

      Let someone in a line ahead of you

Christmas Season Begins

Today is Black Friday.  To me Black Friday is the first day of the Christmas season. I always begin my Christmas season on Black Friday.   Since I do this I am starting, as last year, an act of spreading holiday cheer or as some will say act of kindness.  Each day from Saturday, November 30th, to Friday December 20th, I am hoping for everyone to begin a box of food items that will help the local food bank in your area.  We begin on November 30th and end on December 20th.  On December 21st you take the items to your local food bank.  

Day One...begins tomorrow.  Each day I’ll blog about what you are to put in the box for the following day. 

We did this last year.  It was welcomed by our local food bank.  You are doing something nice for the less fortunate and helping in the community during this season of good cheer.  

Also I’m doing the ‘Spreading Holiday Cheer’ again this year.  

We will begin November 30th right through December 24th.  Again in my daily blog I’ll post what the ‘spreading of cheer’ will be for the for the day.  This has been a really fun endeavor for the holiday season. A few people have already asked me if I’m continuing the ‘spreading of holiday cheer’ again for this year.  I told them of course.  

Until tomorrow, as Day One begins, enjoy your day.  If out shopping today, hope you find everything you are searching to purchase and don’t get too overwhelmed with the crowds. 

Heads up for Day 1 FOOD BOX

  Box of Cereal 

DAY 1 ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’

Make card for family, friend, acquaintance or neighbor

Day of Giving Thanks

It’s Thanksgiving Day, a day we take a moment or two to give ‘THANKS’ for all that we have.  

When I was growing up, the day meant something.  Businesses were closed and families gathered around the table to eat a meal together.  Now it’s a day where no sooner does the meal end, some are scurrying off to ‘Pre-Black Friday’ sales at the stores.  

It seems that this day has been passed over due to early appearances of Christmas decorations throughout.  Halloween ends and it’s right into Christmas without a thought to Thanksgiving.  I am a one holiday at a time person.  After I celebrate Halloween it’s the honoring of our veterans then the day to give THANKS.  I feel there is enough time to begin my Christmas celebrations starting on Black Friday. 

Last year I did blogs about Giving Thanks each day from November 1st to Thanksgiving Day blogging about what I am thankful for in my life.  This year I was lax in doing this and now feel sadden. Today I am a thankful person for all the wonderful and good things I have in my life. I may not have riches in material items but I have what I need.  I am thankful to live in a country where we have the freedoms we take for granted at times.  I am thankful for those in my family, friends, acquaintances and those I see on a daily basis.  I am thankful to Our Heavenly Father for giving me all He has provided.  

As we give THANKS today, please remember those who cannot be home to enjoy the holiday; those who are serving our nation in the military, first responders, medical personnel and others who provide vital services.  

Beginning tomorrow I’ll be beginning the first of my ‘SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER’ posts.  Keep reading.  

Until tomorrow, Happy Turkey day.