One of the things I like best about the holiday season is
the spirit of giving that is embraced by all but Most of us allow the sights and sounds of the
holidays to soften us and make us a little kinder and a little more giving during
this time of year. As I was writing this
piece, a family delivered boxes of presents for a family they “adopted”. Their joy was infectious and the obvious care
that they felt for their anonymous adopted family was touching.
As the world around us gets crazier and scarier, I often
feel helpless and wonder what I can do that will make a difference or feel significant? Let’s face it - terrorism, violence, poverty,
inequality ….and the many other world problems are BIG issues, and we are just
one. And then, in came this family with
care and concern for a family that they will never meet, and it was the
reminder that I needed. Do what you can,
where you can, when you can, with what you have. We can’t do everything, but we all can do
something. I recently heard about a
giving box that was part of a family’s holiday traditions. All members of the family suggested things
that could be done that would help someone else. Each item was written on a slip of paper and
put into a small box. At the beginning
of the month a slip or more of paper was drawn and as a family the item on the
paper was completed during the month. I
love this idea. It keeps the holiday
spirit of giving all year round.
For this holiday season and 2016, I am wishing for you the
season of giving not gifting, which captures the true spirit of the holidays.
Paula Jero
Executive Director
