Tis the Season

by Dolceanne

"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go." -Mother Teresa

Gift, the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return.

Generosity, the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return.

Charity (practice), the giving of help to those in need who are not related to the giver.

The holiday season has begun officially, at least on my calendar. In some places (namely stores) it started about a month ago with the selling of Christmas items and early sales to lure you in. For me the Christmas Holiday starts after the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the United States. I have always felt that Thanksgiving gets short shrift in all of the excitement of Christmas.

But I am not here to discuss the level of attention one holiday gets over another. What I am here to talk about is Christmas and the receiving and giving of presents. There will be little Bobbie and Suzie to get presents for. Then of course Uncle Fred, Aunt Louise, your brother Earl and sister-in-law June will need a gift. The list can grow long and complicated.

Along with giving to family and friends, think about giving to those you may not know. You could give an extra generous tip to the waitress at Waffle House. Maybe you could clean out your closet of any clothes and shoes older than six months and give to a charity. There is the Salvation Army that can always use volunteers to help feed those in need.

Quite frankly, there is no shortage of places you can think of, find or look up. Apply a few minutes to making a list as you would your Christmas shopping list. Then go out and love the world with your giving, large or small it makes a huge difference in the life of people. It will have a huge impact on your own life.

Enjoy the holiday season, remember what Christmas means and its greatest gift to us and than spread that love and caring to others.

Stay inspired my friends.