We will be celebrating Christmas next week and if you are too we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! We will be taking a break from the blog next week (and all things computer related!) so our next post will be right after the new year. Please have a safe, happy & festive new year with your loved ones!
This time of year is joyous and fun and festive. It’s a time to be with family and friends, exchange gifts and share a meal. In many households there is only a party of one, either by choice or a variety of other circumstances including empty nest. The kids have all grown up, moved away and begun families of their own. We all know a friend or relative who is living alone and they are living very full, happy lives. A wise woman once said to us, “I am alone but I am not lonely.”
There is, however, something about the holidays that can make living alone a little more difficult this time of year. Maybe it is due to memories of a full house, small children excited to open presents or loved ones no longer with us. We ask you today to think about those who are by themselves year round and invite them to your holiday festivities. Both of our grandmothers, who lived alone, would sleep over our house on Christmas Eve and partake in all of our celebrations while we were growing up. How great it was for us as kids to have them there and now as adults to have all of those wonderful memories. Another thing you could do is to invite them to come along with you to your house of worship. And there is always room for one more at the dinner table, right?
We would love to hear ways in which you include those in your life who live alone.
We make all kinds of lists this holiday season: lists of special food items to buy, shopping lists for family members, to do lists of things that need our attention around the house. There seems like so much to do that stress management experts suggest you take time for yourself as well and remember to enjoy the moment. While those things are important, we are suggesting another type of giving this year – giving of yourself!
There are so many ways to do this without feeling taxed or anxious about it. A phone call to a distant or lonely relative doesn’t have to take much time out of a busy schedule. Making something special like cookies or a fun craft to give to another or donate is also sure to help you keep the holiday spirit alive.
Here are some things we are doing this month and maybe will inspire you too:
Collecting toys for the needy to donate; crocheting shawls and scarves for the sick; fulfilling Christmas wishes of those at our churches who are less fortunate than we are; spending time with our families at holiday gatherings; calling loved ones who live far away just to say hi; sending Christmas cards and writing a personal greeting in each one; and doing anonymous “good deeds” for those with whom we live like secretly making their bed for them or leaving them a special note on their pillow.
Gifts come in all sizes and shapes especially when they are people! You are a gift in this world…share yourself as best as you can.
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