These beloved holidays envelop us now.
I adore this time of year. The lights make the dark skies bright and seem to convey a sense of happiness. In amongst all the stuff we buy, there are heart-felt remembrances from people we love and often from someone we wouldn’t expect.
Marketing and sales insights have been put away in favor of recollections of happy moments and plans for a particularly joyous New Year.
And a thought on the most important gift you can give this year.
Offer someone the Gift of Caring.
The world can be a tough place. It doesn’t always go as we want it to in big ways and small.
How many people do you know who could use a hug or a little reassurance?
Maybe that’s a family member you haven’t spoken with in a long time. Put that grievance aside and reach out to them. Maybe it’s a friend in need, and you haven’t been with them in too long. Pick up the phone and offer yourself. Perhaps there’s a pooch or kitty at the shelter who really should come home with you this holiday season. Get in your car and go.
Someone needs you. Someone requires some love, or reassurance or intervention to get them to the next place safely.
This holiday season, make a difference for someone. Care. Help make them a better person and the world a safer place.
It truly does take a village.
Go forth and do great things,
Martha Hanlon and Chris Williams
P.S. As we did last year, Chris and I have made a donation to the Heifer Project and Second Harvest in all of your names. May this season be brighter and safer for each one of us.