Generosity Sparks the Season

The Christmas season is upon us. Seasonal music plays on every radio station; TV filled vacant slots with seasonal Holiday specials and Classics. Every place you go the sounds, lights, and smells of the Holiday greet you. It becomes overwhelming

Friends, I am an old-fashioned girl when it comes to celebrating the Christmas Season. I don’t like Christmas trees and décor competing with dragons, witches, and ghosts at Home Depot. By the time we complete Thanksgiving, I am Christmas-ed-out!

I remember the excitement I felt as a little girl, watching the Christmas parade on the day after Thanksgiving. Then rushing the few blocks to Fedway Department Store to join in the unveiling of the Christmas windows display. Curtains drew back or fell to the floor one by one, while every child squeezes in pressing to see Santa’s workshop, snow scenes, elves at work and a Nativity.

Then we would all go into the store to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what we wanted for Christmas. Everyone is happy, sharing secrets, and giggles. Love was in the air, God’s love.

The atmosphere inspired excitement, kindness, courteousness, curiosity, gratefulness, and generosity.  Above the clamor on the floor floated wishes of Merry Christmas, carolers singing and bells ringing, with a faint scent of fresh pine and pinion.

I would make some of my presents, others I purchased with saved coins from my allowance. I would hide them in my room and rap them with great care. Making bows, and outlining green ribbon trees on red paper.

As the years faded away, I developed a sense of great generosity associated with the season — the unselfishness of extra effort, careful handwriting on each card, doing good things for those around me, and showing extra kindness to our elderly neighbors. I spread the generosity of my mind, spirit, and money wherever I roamed with a smile.

While society gradually changed, I lagged blinded to the transformation occurring around me.

When you think of this Holiday Season what can you give to be generous?

Time, service, money, prayer, food, meals, or friendship.

Who around you can benefit from generosity?

How many acts of kindness can you do this week?

It’s Christmas Time, time for showing love with a little extra ribbon, time to make memories of a burgers and fries meal for children or friends.

I witnessed a scene at Walmart recently. A mom kept telling her young son, “No, you can’t have a new toy. You have toy’s in your room you haven’t played with, some of them haven’t even made it out of the box. You should be happy. You have so many toys you can’t play with them. Some boys would be happy to have one because they don’t have any. If you keep asking, then I am going to give all your toys away.” Her little boy started crying — an act that made mom even more frustrated.

Look around; one toy can make a difference, an hour of your time can be a blessing, a smile that becomes a treasured memory. Can you squeeze out one or two more plates of cookies for the new people down the street? Shake someone’s hand and say, “Merry Christmas! How can I help?”

Sacrifice a little time, a few dollars and make a difference in someone’s life. The secret is in the question above. All we need to do is listen.  Guaranteed to put a spark in your season.