Holiday Spirit

This time of year engenders a vast array of thoughts. Loved ones that are near and far. Loved ones that have gone from this earth. Loved ones that are new to this earth. In addition, most of us are endowed with "The Spirit of Giving". We want to experience the Joy. The expression on a child's face; the surprise on the face of a relative receiving an unexpected gift; the sheer gratitude of a stranger who had taken for granted that he or she would not be receiving anything of a Yuletide nature. The feeling of literally BLESSING THE LIFE of another human being, rather you are related to them or a complete stranger to them, is a natural high. You don't lose the high even when the season has ended. Even if you don't have anything to give, surely you can donate some of your time. One year I spent just two hours passing out donated toys to children suffering with AIDS. At the time, I didn't realize how abandoned these children really were; no families; no visitors; no one to say "Merry Christmas". Still, they were amazingly happy. Content with a wrapped gift considering many of them never had one; when the volunteer Santa arrived, they were ecstatic! Seeing their reactions served as a double-edged sword: on one hand it was Wonderful (their excitement) - on the other hand it made me more depressed than I'd ever been. One more thought, if you've lost contact with someone and you've been thinking about reaching out but haven't made the time: DO IT - a good friend of mine passed last Sunday - I had been thinking of going to see him; I just didn't make the time. So I guess what I'm saying is: 1.) HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 2.) if you have any free time between shopping, cooking, celebrating reach out to someone/anyone who is alone. 3.) spread whatever joy you can - no matter how little or how much. It's amazing how a little means a lot. BEST WISHES TO YOU & YOURS. Much Love, micki