I sat here trying to think of a Christmas message from my heart to all of yours and the more I thought the more I realized that what I wanted to wish you all was someone else to care about this year.

You know Christmas is the time of year that is the hardest for a lot of folks. 

Some folks who have recently lost a loved one or have recently gone through a divorce or some other tragedy has befallen them during the year have a very hard time coping as the festive season approaches and they are reminded of their loss.

According to statistics there are more suicides at this time of year than any other. I feel we could drop those statistics if more people reached out to others especially at this time of the year. I am not saying that we can save the world but it only takes one person to make one other person not feel so alone at this special time of year.

So many are homeless and most not by choice. Have you ever thought about taking some time out of your day to just walk down a street and hand a bagged lunch to someone you know has no where else to be for Christmas? Heck why wait for Christmas!  There are people out there in need any time of the year.

I have done this and knowing that someone you do not even know is enjoying something to eat that you made with your own hands makes your own meal taste so much better.

Have you ever looked at someone who is without decent shoes on their feet or a decent coat on their back and remembered an old coat in your closet that you never wear anymore? Or an old pair of shoes or winter boots that you have replaced long ago but still have in a corner somewhere in the house? How about an old sweat shirt or sweater you have decided does not fit you anymore? Have you ever just gone and gotten something from your closet that you don't wear anymore and handed it to someone who needs it more then you do?

I have done this and the smile is so rewarding it brings such joy to know you have helped someone even if it is just a little bit.

Some homes have only one parent to run them and it is so hard if there are small children around at this time of year. Have you ever thought of doing up a hamper with a few toys in it and maybe a few treats and a couple boxes of cereal or some canned goods in it and leaving it with a little card signed, "From Someone Who Cares"?

I have done this and you know it is such a good feeling inside when you see a child playing with something that you personally got for them and they do not know it was from you.

Do you know how many folks sit in old folks' homes and no one goes to see them? You have no idea how many are stuck in those places and then just forgotten while their kids and families go on with their lives. It takes an hour of your time to stop by one afternoon and ask an attendant -  who resides there that has no family who visits --  and go spend some time with a senior. 

You would be amazed at how you can turn a sad face into a happy one and how long that smile lasts every time they think that someone cared enough to stop by for a little while just to talk or to read to them a little bit. Maybe just to sit with them even if in silence for a little while.

My intent is not to preach at anyone but to remind everyone that there are so many out there less fortunate then we are. So many that have so much less and yet continue each day to make it one step at a time and one foot in front of the other.

I have been listening this past year to a lot of folks talking and so many complain that they cannot buy this or that expensive item for their kids or family or friends and yet you know there is someone out there with so much less that even a dollar store item would make them feel someone cared. A warm, cast off piece of clothing would make them warmer or a pair of boots would keep their feet dry.

I lost my darling Mother in law in September and Christmas was her favorite time of year so that makes me really miss her even more -- but she taught me so much about giving to others that I just wanted to maybe pass some of that on to a few out there who need to take the time to remember how blessed we are and how much we have to be thankful for. 

If you have your health -- if you have a child to hug or a senior citizen to call your own -- if you have someone that made you smile today for no reason -- if you have a roof over your head and food in your tummy -- if you have your sight -- if you can smell the fresh air -- if you can walk -- if you can hear -- if you can speak then you are so blessed.

As I wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones - I also ask that you might take a few minutes to think of someone else that may not have anyone to say Merry Christmas to. 
 

Until next time,
God Bless
hugs,
Misker