Am I the only one who has noticed that the Holidays end with a thud? Returning to reality kind of slaps you in the face on January 2, a day where I’m suddenly hit with the desire to tear town the tree and throw out the wreath. Last night I muttered to myself that my local coffee still had their holiday decor up - and it’s only January 5!
During the month of December, the feeling of good will toward men, an open heart and forgiving spirit are rammed down our throats! Come January though, it’s “See you next year, now get out of my way, I’m late!”
This year, I had some issues with holiday spirit. For a good portion of the month I felt cynical and close-minded about the entire process of decking the halls and giving gifts. The one thing that kept me going was a feeling of goodwill. We gave mittens to a mitten tree in lieu of gifts to the teachers - an idea they loved. We donated to our local food cupboard and a local turkey program. Christmas wasn’t just about giving my family a memorable holiday, it was about sharing our good fortune.
So why did it have to end on Boxing Day?
The short answer is; it didn’t.
In 2007, I’m not vowing to be more organized, run more or transform myself into something I have no hope of becoming. I’m just going to help out more when I have a chance.
In three short minutes I came up with several ideas at how I can keep the feeling going:
-While shopping, buy $10 worth of extra non-perishable items and drop them in the donation box outside the grocery store.
-Bring my children to the local food bank to volunteer. The second half of winter must be a slow time for volunteers. I have four able bodies to help out.
-Go forth with some ideas I had about providing more art, music and dance for less privileged children in my small town.
-Feature some newfound worthy causes on my own blog and talk more openly about them.
Helping out doesn’t have to end with 2006 - especially if I don’t let it.
[tags] new years resolutions, the spirit of giving, helping others, teaching kids, parenting, charity, giving, goodwill, volunteering[/tags]
Photo by robdem via Flickr.
4 responses so far ↓
Megin Hatch // Jan 5, 2007 at 4:30 pm
It’s taking me a long time to formulate my goals for 2007- this is a great approach Chantal! I think getting this going early will help it to become second nature. Kids are so willing to help out- it’s a great idea to increase the scope of their deeds.
Let us know how it goes!
Barb // Jan 5, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Here, here! Great post!!
Barb
Erica // Jan 5, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Excellent stuff, GNM is packed to the gunnels with fab contributions at the moment
Stu Mark // Jan 9, 2007 at 3:55 am
Bravo. Really, excellent post.
I don’t have issues with holidays anymore, not since I became a full-time housewife. Everyday is filled with charity, because it’s my job now. I am now professionally charitable to two children and a spouse.
Now, I happen to *love* my job, and I’ll be sad when I am forced to retire, but for now, I wake up having to do for others, so it alters my mindset. I actually have to get out of the habit of saying “Happy Holidays” to folks as I see them, as it’s now January 8th.
That said, I have tailed off in my public contributions, so your post was right on the money for me (pardon the pun). I will go to the grocery store tomorrow and find out about food donations, *awesome* idea!!!
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