(a small notebook drawing of mousie Thanksgiving … idea by my dad lol)
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving/Hanukkah/ holiday kick-off with loved ones all around!
There is always something to be grateful for, even if it is small. I’m blessed in so many ways. I’m grateful for my friends, family, fellows, clients, and opportunities to create and inspire. I’m thankful for my online friends and sources of inspiration and admiration. Gratitude is not a one time a year thing, it’s an everyday appreciation of what we have.
If we DO then we shouldn’t just let it be a holiday “warm fuzzy” — but a call in our heart not for pity or doing things to make ourselves feel good but to help others as best we can, always!
And it’s not just the less fortunate but also those around us, neighbours or friends, who might be suffering loss, illness, sadness or hard times over the holidays. What a great time to give THEM thanks and appreciate them for what they do! Giving a little time, love, gratitude or attention is the best gift that everyone can give no matter what. And you don’t need to wait until it goes on sale or trample the crowds to a midnight door-opening on Black Friday, either!
THANK YOU for all you do, and for you being you! Wishing you and yours the best holiday 🙂
***Here’s some tips if you decide to make this a season of giving:
*check with local homeless shelters, food pantries or charities that help elderly, disabled or families in need and see what their donation “wish lists” are. Sometimes you might be surprised by what you find! (like fresh salad greens or specific types of toiletries or clothing) For instance, – an item always in demand in colder climates at homeless shelters are disposable hand-warmers.
*If you donate food, don’t give away things that are extremely-expired, dented, bulging or rotten. People in need are human beings, not raccoons. If you buy new things at the store, pick items that are palatable and nutritious. There’s so much more to do with our gratitude than to break out that can of beanie weenie that has been in the pantry since 1977 or donate some tins of pumpkin pie filling once a year. (though giving even in small ways is AWESOME and so appreciated!)
*Good food donation items are: canned veggies, fruits, juices (no added sugar), spaghetti sauces (be careful as some charities don’t accept glass items), proteins like canned tuna, canned chicken, canned beans, legumes, peanut butter, soups, whole grain cereals and crackers, dry pasta, dry potato flakes, low sugar cereals, nuts, dried fruits, seeds, oatmeal and rice
*You may be able to find a “giving tree” or “Angel” tree (as they’re sometimes called) in your community. A charity organizes a gift drive and participants get a new toy, needed item or clothing item for the adults or children in need which then get distributed at Christmas time.
*Don’t forget furry friends. Winter can be harsh for animal shelters and rescue agencies. Check and see if your local animal carers have a “wish-list” too!
*servicemen and women appreciate greetings and well-wishes
*Senior centers can be a marvelous place to give the gift of TIME. If you play an instrument or can instruct a craft class, donating your time is a lot of fun and very rewarding.
*During holiday sales two for one deals or other magnificent deals might pop allowing you to donate some of those brand new items to folks who could use them.
*If you don’t have extra money or food, spending a few moments of your time to sit, listen, be there, or pitch in, can be immeasurably helpful for those in need.
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