Christmas Past

I recorded a Christmas episode of "Home Improvement" and watched it this evening. In a way it reminded me of Christmas past. Not that my house was anything like the toolman's, but sometimes shows from the past make me reminisce.

I thought about the Christmas eve's, coming home from church, building a fire and watching George C. Scott in "A Christmas Carol." Of how hard my mom tried to hide the fact that she was wrapping our gifts in her bedroom, and how my dad, my sister, and I would fall asleep by the tree while smells of Christmas lunch made the way from the kitchen to the living area.

It reminded me that Christmas creates some of the best memories. Memories of home and family. Memories that will never be replaced. It also reminds me of what Christmas is about, being together.

All of my holiday memories include family and food ( I am a huge food fan). The lights, music, and everything the holidays offer remind me of the blessings in life. I am so happy to be creating memories with my family now, and one favorite is taking pictures of everyone falling asleep by the tree on Christmas Eve.

2008

Hawaii 2009

Monterey 2010

Monterey 2010

Savannah 2011

Grove Park Inn 2011

Even though it is almost July, Merry Christmas, and hope many happy memories are made the rest of the year for all. Here's to the Christmas Spirit!

The Tall Book of Christmas

The Tall Book of Christmas, by Gertrude Elliott Espenscheid and Dorothy Hall Smith, is one of the best collection of Christmas stories. As a child, this book was a must read during the Christmas season. As a mom, I read stories to my children from this book and read the Story of Christ's birth on Christmas eve, every year.

Christmas Tree in Savannah, Georgia

This is a wonderful collection of stories, poems, and songs. A favorite story is that of the Christmas Rose and Granny Mittens. The Christmas Rose tells of a young girl who was saddened by the fact she had no gift for Jesus. From her tears grew a beautiful rose. The story of Granny mittens (like so many in the book) is light hearted. It tells of an elderly woman who ends up knitting edible mittens. The mittens are a hit and the story ends up being a happy ending.

Other stories include that of a bear who helps guide Santa's sleigh, a group of children in a kingdom without Christmas, Christmas Around the World, and The Night Before Christmas. There is so much in the book including songs such as, I Saw Three Ships and Wassail. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it, and it is fun to read all year long.

The Tall Book of Christmas will definitely fill one with the spirit of the holidays.

Happy Summer!

June 20th is the first day of summer, which means, 187 days till christmas. 2012 is almost halfway through. Wishing everyone a great warm summer, and looking forward to a chilly Christmas season!

Christmas Salsa and Chips

Today, as I was making salsa and chips, the thought of bringing a touch of the holidays to the chips and salsa entered. All that was needed was red and green flour tortilla's and some thought on the salsa.

Holiday Tortilla Chips

Ingredients:

4 spinach tortilla wraps
4 tomato tortilla wraps
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil, in a bowl
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Lay the tortilla wraps on a flat surface, drizzle with oil and rub on each side, and cut each into 8 triangles, using a pizza cutter. Mix the salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl, and sprinkle half around each chip.
Bake 7 minutes on one side, turn and bake 7 more minutes (or until crisp).
Sprinkle remaining spice mix over the chips.

For the salsa, simply dice two large tomatoes, half a red onion, 1 seeded and chopped jalapeno or green bell pepper (for a milder version), and place in mason jar with 1 tablespoon cider vinegar and 3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously to combine.
Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon white sugar, chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger, and cumin. Put the lid back on and shake to combine.

The best thing about salsa is, it can be made to taste as please. So, try any combination of flavors to come up with one that might make one think of the holidays. Also, try making a salsa using apples, peaches, or other fruits.

Both of these recipes are easy, great for a gathering, and will bring a little holiday cheer into the home.

Christmas Gifts For The Family

It is never too early to start thinking of Christmas gifts. Not only does the early bird get the worm, it also saves money, and keeps from spending $100 or $1000 between Black Friday and Christmas Day. Not to mention, the stress of holiday shopping will melt away, and unlike the crazy shoppers looking for the perfect gift, the one who finished before December will actually have time to sit back, sip some nog, eat some sweets, and watch some Christmas specials by the glow of the tree.

One gift that seems to be a hit with anyone in the family (minus the kids if they are still young or teens), is pictures. Whether in a frame, on a collage, a coffee mug, apron, or in a book, photo's and memories last forever.

Photo Gift Ideas

Christmas in Hawaii 2009, oldest asleep on Christmas Eve

A great gift idea is always a framed family portrait. Either professional or nonprofessional. The easiest, less stressful way to get a family portrait that looks professional is, find a location, put on desired clothes, and have a friend snap several shots of the family posing and walking/running/being active. Develope the photo at a store or online and order as many copies as needed in desired size, and buy frames at a low cost at Wal-Mart or on sale at larger department stores such as Kohl's or Sears.

Another perfect gift (especially for grandparents) is, picture books. This can be done by hand or online. Online is a personal preference, but by hand makes it more personal and offers a larger amount of decorating options. If doing the book online, look for coupons and deals. Also, keep in mind that many products with online photo shops will go on sale at the end of a season. Some offer up to 75% off, and they may also have special deals for certain items (including photo books). Sites such as, Shutterfly, actually have books that can be more personally decorated.

For those in the family who always ask for the kids pictures, use the opportunity to make picture ornaments, magnets, or coffee mugs. Picture ornaments are great as gifts for aunts and uncles, and relatively inexpensive. Of course, coffee mugs and magnets are wonderful as well.

The ultimate photo gift for grandparents or close family is, a photo calendar. Choosing pictures by month that express what happened or what that month means personally is a great present for loved ones. Once again, there are many options out there and each season features sales and deals. This is a particularly wonderful gift for great grandparents and grandparents because it will remind them of their children and their children's children year around, bringing lots of joy and happiness to their heart.

These are a few options and suggestions. There are numerous ways to present photos as a gift, but overall, photos really do make easy to get, easy to do, and easy to find gifts year after year. After all, "a photo says a thousand words," but it mostly says love you and hope to create more memories to share year after year.

Happy Father's Day

Hope everyone had a happy father's day. Just wanted to say, why not spend the evening or tomorrow evening winding down after a fun busy father's day weekend by watching "The Santa Claus." The Ultimate tribute to Father Christmas :)

Christmas in July

Looking for some Christmas in July? Try West Jefferson, N.C. This Blue Ridge mountain town is known as "The Lost Province." It is also known, like many northern mountain areas in N.C., for Christmas Tree farming. It is very artsy and crafty, and while there take a trip to Boone and visit Appalachian State University and Grandfather Mountain, and maybe watch the outdoor drama "Horn in the West."

Christmas Tree at Grove Park Inn 2011

Surrounded by firs and pines, listening to good bluegrass, cloggers,  a civil war reenactment, picking up original arts and crafts, and sampling good country food will either put one in the mood for fall or the holidays. It is a great time to enjoy the forest scenery and pick up some Christmas gifts. Get summer pictures with Santa and maybe find some homemade Christmas scented candles and soaps and other Christmas items.

Be sure to be there for the parade, complete with Santa! The event is free, July 7th, and the fun gets going on the evening of July 6th. So, take a drive up to Christmas tree country, and countdown to the best time of the year in West Jefferson, North Carolina.

Christmas Books For Baby

Babies may not be able to understand what parents are reading, but they do understand when parents read to them it is out of love. There is no better time to show and share that love than at Christmas. Babies will enjoy listening to parents read Christmas tales just as much as parents enjoy reading and telling them.

Some great books for baby during the Christmas season include:

• Baby Touch and Feel Christmas by DK Publishing
• Bob and 6 more Christmas Stories by Sandra Boynton
• Have Yourself A Furry Little Christmas by Naomi Kleinberg and Louis Womble
• Who Is Coming to Our House by Joseph Slate
• What Is Christmas by Michelle Medlock Adams
• Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
• My First Christmas by Tomie Paola
• Corduroy's Merry Christmas Shaped Board Book by Don Freeman
• The Littlest Reindeer by Parragon Books
• The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

Christmas Books Encouraging The Senses

These are just a few great books that are easy to read, with beautiful illustrations, and great stories for Christmas. DK Publishing's Baby Touch and Feel Christmas is a great way to introduce baby to the sights and objects of Christmas. Tomie Paola's, My First Christmas, is short and simple, and complete with beautiful pictures to introduce Christmas to baby.

The Littlest Reindeer plays the song, "Up on the Housetop," and tells the story of a reindeer named "Rory." The reindeer gets into Santa's sleigh and ends up helping Santa through the night. It is a cute story that babies and toddlers will enjoy.

Have Yourself A Furry Little Christmas, features everyone's favorite Sesame Street character, Elmo! Elmo and his friends prepare for a Christmas party, and teach children a bit of what Christmas is all about. For those who like this book, check out Elmo's 12 Days of Christmas.

Fun To Read Christmas Stories by Well-Known Authors

Don Freeman's, Corduroy's Merry Christmas Shaped Board Book, is a great way to introduce sights, colors, and shapes of Christmas. Plus, there are several other Corduroy Christmas books available, and Corduroy has become a beloved teddy bear with fun stories that are cute and sweet. For those who like Sandra Boynton, Bob and 6 more Christmas Stories, is a great book for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The illustrations are fantastic, the stories are short and rhyme, and the last two pages of the book introduces a song called "Christmas Lullaby." The Night Before Christmas, is a holiday classic. Even though baby cannot read, the story is easy to read, not very long, and includes beautiful pictures of Christmas.

Introduce Baby to The First Christmas

Finally, Christmas would not be Christmas for many families without reading the story of "the first Christmas." Who Is Coming To Our House, is a story of the animals telling each other about the coming of Baby Jesus to the stable. Christmas in the Manger, is a beautiful book that tells the story of Jesus's birth in lyrical rhyme and pictures. What Is Christmas, explains what Christmas is really about, and that all the other things are great, but the real reason is to celebrate Christ's birth.

All of the books mentioned are great for babies and toddlers. They are also, board books. This way parents do not need to worry about pages being ripped, and the books will last much longer without much damage. Start reading these books to baby at Christmas, and they will become annual holiday reads for many years.

FYI: Christmas Movies On Movie Channels

For the Christmas fans, Disney's A Christmas Carol is on Starz Kids this evening at 8PM, and Home Alone is on Encore at 8PM. Last week ELF was on Family Channel. So get in some early Christmas movies if you can.

Christmas Coffee

This evening I got a craving for Christmas coffee and found some in my cabinets. Upon brewing it, the smell of Christmas spices filled the house. Even though it was a summer sunset outside, it felt like a winter evening inside.

I begin thinking of all my favorite Christmas coffees and wished to share a list. In fact, the other day Wal-Mart had some Christmas flavors on sale. Also, remember that Coffee-mate offers Peppermint Mocha creamer year around, and for those craving a peppermint mocha, Starbucks will usually make one (I found out they usually have what they need on hand, minus crushed peppermint).

So, here is a list of coffee brands with great Christmas blends:

Millstone Coffee
Kona Coffee (great chocolate peppermint)
Dunkin Donuts
Starbucks
Barnies Blends (gingerbread is awesome)
Fresh Market (has the best Christmas blend hands down!)

For those craving some holiday coffee-simple add some cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, white and brown sugar to the coffee grounds and brew.

Christmas In July
Hallmark's Ornament Debut 2012

It is officially 31 days until Hallmark brings out the Christmas ornaments for some Christmas in July. For those who cannot wait to see what Keepsakes the retailer is offering, check them on online. Go ahead and flip through the Dream Book and start getting ready for the holiday season. Just 31 days!

Ornaments include:

Barbie
Snoopy
Peanut Gang
Garfield
Gingerbread Homes
Snowmen
Santa's and Mrs. Claus
Santa's workshop
Specialty cars
Turtle Doves
A musical ornament "Merry Christmas to All" that takes guests on Santa's Christmas Eve journey
A lovely Christmas lighthouse
Polar Bears
Musical ornaments
Angels
Snowflakes
Nativities
Nutcrackers
Vintage based
Personalized

and more!

Don't forget to look at other items that may be out in stores along with the ornaments. These make good gifts for teachers, co-workers, friends, and family, and the shopping can begin in 31 days.

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!!

Everything has a meaning, even the symbols of Christmas. Today, most people put up lights and decorations for fun and enjoyment. However, in the past, everything was done for a reason and everything had a story.

Christmas Trees
Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and hanging evergreens were part of the pagan practices of the holiday season. The tree is the symbol for "immortality," the wreath is for "eternal sun," and mistletoe is for "reconciliation." Many would decorate their homes and places of worship with these items while celebrating the season. Even though Egyptians did not have evergreens, they had palm trees. To them palm trees were the symbol of "immortality," and they would decorate the home with the branches during the season.

The Christmas tree that is present today, originated in Germany way back in the 16th century. During the winter months, Germans used a "paradise tree" in a play that told the story of Adam and Eve. The only problem was, the tree needed to bear fruit (apple) and there were no apple trees during this time. Therefore, they decided to use a fir tree to hang fruit on during this time. In the 1700s, the tradition came to America by way of German immigrants, but it was not until the 1800s that the tradition of a Christmas tree became very popular.
Wreaths
The hanging of a wreath came from Persia. The wreath was a sign of success. They were not the big, overly decorated wreaths as seen now. They were simply wreaths that could be worn on one's head as a decoration, or as a way to show off one's wealth. Some would hang the wreath on a door or a spot in the house, and it is thought the tradition of hanging wreaths may have started due to that practice.Mistletoe and Holly and Ivy
Mistletoe has become a very popular holiday tradition which began with the Druids before the birth of Christ. Celts would hang mistletoe in their home due to its "healing powers," infertility, and ability to rid the home of "evil spirits." The mistletoe also represented peace. However, in Scandinavia, the little plant represented love and was a symbol of their goddess of love. It was thought that a kiss under the mistletoe brought good luck in the coming year.

The use of holly and ivy (and greenery in general) in North Europe, was to protect the home from "evil spirits" who roamed around during the cold months. It was also used to scent the home as well as add some happiness during the winter months. Some belief that holly and ivy represent the crown of thorns placed on the head of Christ, and that they grow where he has walked.

Today, the reason for placing a Christmas tree or greenery in the home has changed drastically. Most use Christmas trees, mistletoe, and wreaths purely for decoration. They are a product of Christmas and used to add color and a touch of magic to the season.
The Christmas Star

On the night of Christ's birth, one star shone brighter than any other in the sky. For years no one has quite understood why this phenomenon occurred during this time, and this is a reason as to why the date of Christ's birth is argued. Even so, there is no doubt, the Christmas star represents the star that led the Wise Men and others to the place "where Jesus lay." For the most part, the Christmas star represents hope and light.

Poinsettas
The tradition of placing this red plant in the home originated in Mexico. Today, the majority of poinsettas in America come from California. The legend is of a boy who needed a gift to give the Christ child. Instead of placing a gift by the manger, he placed green branches. From those branches rose a "star shaped flower." Now, poinsettas can be seen everywhere during the Christmas season, and is used as a colorful decoration during this time of year.
Santa Claus
The most controversial symbol of the holiday season is, the big fat man in the red suit known as, Santa Claus. Even though, most associate the story of Santa Claus with that of St. Nicolas (a priest and bishop), but the original beginning of a Santa Claus figure can be traced back to Egypt.

The Egyptians had gods and goddesses for almost everything, and there was a god named "Bes." Bes was said "to be the patron of little children." Many believed he made toys for all the good children and was said to live at the North Pole. He was a "fat bearded dwarf." Images of Bes often resemble images of Santa, just dressed a bit differently.

The Santa everyone knows today, became extremely famous in Clement C. Moore's poem, A Visit From Saint Nicholas. This poem painted Santa as large "jolly old elf," who gave freely and represented the spirit of Christmas.

Sources:

• The History of Christmas, 2004 (viewed December 2, 2010).
• Christmas Traditions, 2010 Should A Christian Celebrate Christmas? Biblical Discernment Ministries, revised November 2002 (viewed November 29, 2010).

Okay, just have to ask. When it comes to waiting for the Holiday Season, which month seems the longest? For me, I can't decide between January and August.

195 Days Till Christmas

Are You Ready For Christmas 2012?

Here is a list of things to do, building up to the 2012 Holiday Season, in order to keep the Spirit

1. Listen to Christmas music, at least once a week (if not every day)
2. Watch a Christmas movie every month or once a week (don't forget movies and shows such as "SnowGlobe," "Charlie Brown," "Ernest Saves Christmas," or "Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol" and others).
3. Start making a shopping list or buying gifts. It is better to start early, especially for those with kids, or even hit the end of summer or fall sales.
4. String up some Christmas lights on the porch for summer and enjoy the glow year around.
5. Light the scented holiday candles from last year. This gives an excuse to buy more next year.
6. Take stock of cards and wrapping items available.
7. Make a list of people receiving gifts and start shopping early.
8. Remember, charity is year around. Find a local shelter and help stock or donate food. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels or at the hospital or homeless shelter. Staying true to the Christmas spirit year around is a great way to remember what the season is about.
9. Read a Christmas book to the kids.
10. Read a Christmas book on the beach, in the living room, or on the porch.

These are suggestions for those who love the season and can't seem to get enough.

Funny Christmas Books

Christmas books are great to read year around. Whether at the beach soaking in the sun or by a warm fire place with a cup of cocoa. No matter what time of year it is, it is always nice to have a little Christmas and get into the spirit by way of reading a holiday book.

Humor for the holidays

Humor for the holidays, is a large collection of funny stories ranging from Thanksgiving to New Years. Some stories focus on the "chaos" of preparing for the holidays. Others focus on holiday cooking memories and disasters. The last story in the book is entitled, The Last Thirty Days of Christmas by Charlene Ann Baumbich. The story is written as a journal entry. Beside each entry is a date and a discription of tasks ranging from sticking to a New Year's Resolution to exchanging undergarments. One of the first entries reads as follows:

"January 7. "I've spoken to God about the dieting dilemma-for five days running. My self-discipline is at an all time low, although I'm sure I can chalk much of my lethargy up to sugar blues, P.M.S., and my mid-life crisis. Also, eating tastes so good."

Some other great stories include: "All I Want For Christmas is a Parking Place" by Dave Barry," What Not ToGet Your Wife for Christmas," "What Not To Get Your Husband for Christmas" (Both Authors Unknown), "Are You Sure Wisemen Wore Turtlenecks" by Martha Bolton, and "Lights, Camera...To MuchAction"by Jim Kellan. In all, there are 52 short stories, lists, and poems featured in this humorous holiday book.
The best part about Humor for the holidays, is that there is a story for everyone who celebrates this time of year, not to mention that they are all funny. This book is a great read and would make a wonderful Christmas gift. It is also a funny reminder of how stressed people make themselves over the holidays, when really all anyone needs to do is remember what the holidays really mean.

A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd

The Christmas season would not be complete without Jean Shepherd's famous tale of a young boy and his determination to get a "red ryder BB gun." This is a classic read for anyone. For those who are interested in just the stories from the movie, A Christmas Story, there is a book by the same name that features those stories told in the film. As with all books and movies, nothing is exactly alike. However, despite the fact that some of the stories are not all focused around Christmas, they are pretty close to the movie's portrayal of The Parker family.

The book is divided into five stories, all of which were featured in the movie. The famous story of the "leg lamb" is by far one of the funniest. Even so, the story about Ralphie's attempt to convince everyone to buy him a "red ryder" for Christmas is the highlight of the book. Every story will have the reader wanting to read more. Jean Shepherd's timeless classic is a must-have for the holiday season.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Most adults would not consider this a book to read for the holidays, but it is a great book to read during this time of year. Not only is it funny and meaningful, it is short and easy to read, making it a great book for the busy holiday season.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, is a story about a really bad group of kids ("The Herdmans), who participate in the local church "Christmas pageant." Needless to say, the church folk are not exactly thrilled that this foul mouthed irresponsible family seems to be calling the shots and changing the plot, especially since the only reason the family came to church was mainly for the food. However, when the original pageant organizer has an accident another church member takes her place, only to realize running the pageant and taming the Herdman kids were more stress than needed. Even though the pageant is odd (thanks to the Herdman kids), it ends up being the "best ever."

Funny Books For The Holidays

It is said the best medicine is laughter. Something that everyone needs is a good laugh and big smile on their face. Even Take a break any time in the year, by reading funny meaningful stories about the holidays.

Sources:

Humor for the holidays, Howard Books: New York, NY (2006). ISBN-13:978-1-4165-3535-5, ISBN-10: 1-4165-3535-7.

Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story, Broadway Books: New York, 2003. ISBN:0-7679-1622-0.

Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, HarperCollins Publishers Inc: New York, New York, 1972. ISBN: 978-0-590-16243-2.

I wanted to share a hub I had written in November 2011, entitled, "Christmas in November." Truly, the Christmas spirit is kept year 'round. Thoughts of Christmas seem to pop into my mind constantly, and sometimes it's nice to remember that Christmas doesn't just need to be celebrated once a year, but all year. Hope you enjoy this hub.

Christmas In November: Spreading Christmas Cheer

I walked into Starbucks and what to my glittering eyes did appear?
The words: Eggnog, Gingerbread latte, and Peppermint mocha are here!!

It is November 5, 2011, and the stores have started packing isles full of Christmas goodies. Wal-Mart is playing Christmas music, and it seems as if Starbucks knows it's time to bring out the holiday latte's to make all the coffee fans cheer (thank you).
Christmas 2011

Christmas is still over a month away (or in this case, 7), and as Sally would say, "I haven't even finished my Halloween candy!"

With Christmas weeks away, is it really bad to start so soon? Personally speaking, nope. Most people crave sights and sounds of the holiday. A time to celebrate loved ones and the end of the year and beginning of a new year.

One reason it is not so bad to start Christmas so soon is, it brings smiles and feelings of giving to so many. With so much bad luck in the world, it is great to get geared up to give to those in need. In fact, that is really something that should be emphasized at Christmas, and even for the people who hate seeing the season celebrated so soon, think of it this way. There is more time to give to those in need.

Ways to Help the Needy this Christmas Season and Year Around

For those going out and about this first week of November, at some point a toy drop may have been passed by. Toys-for-tots (applications to volunteer are up year round) boxes have already popped up in numerous locations. Buying a toy for a needy baby, girl, or boy, is a great way to bring a smile to a child's face.

Another great way to donate a very needed item for the winter season is, to donate coats to coats for kids. There are also numerous coat drop offs for coats for all ages in a large majority of cities. Most families buy new coats every year. Do not discard the old ones if they are in good condition, take them to a coat drive.

For those who love coffee creamers, buy a holiday edition of International Delights. Go to "Share your Delight," and enter the UPC code on the bottle. Pick one of the top two charities to donate to, and International Delight will give money to that charity. This is so easy for anyone, and goes to a great cause.

Speaking of Internet, JC Penny's and Salvation Army have the Angel Tree online. Go to either website and click on, "adopt an angel." Pick a female or male, ages infant to 65+. A list will come up with sizes, needs, and wants. This is a terrific way to teach the joys of giving to children. Families can pick a person together or pick individually.

Do not forget the troops over seas. Those who are deployed deserve a dash of Christmas cheer. Whether it is a funny or encouraging card, a cd, movie, or yummy Christmas goodies. For anyone who has been, is a spouse or a parent of a soldier, the knowledge of deployments are well known. These men and women appreciate care packages more than most know, and words of encouragement from back home mean a lot.

Operation Shoe Box is another great way to send blessings to children around the world. The turn in dates for the shoe boxes are Nov. 14th-21st (in order to ensure the boxes reach their destination by Christmas). This is sponsored by Samaritans purse, and is a great way to show Christian charity and spread the good news of hope and joy. Go to their website, decide what age and gender to buy for, and print out the label. Gift ideas are located on the website.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

Even though, Christmas does come early every year, remember Thanksgiving. Both holidays tend to go hand in hand. So many families are going hungry or having a hard time due to the economy. A great way to be a blessing on both holidays is to donate clothes to shelters and organizations, as well as volunteer in food kitchens and donate food.

There are numerous ways to donate food and clothes to those in need. Send food in bags to school. Most schools have drop boxes for food and sometimes clothes during the holidays. Some grocery stores also have donation boxes for food. Buying one or two food items (or several) to donate each time one goes to the store is a huge help.

Volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, a children's home, or at a homeless shelter, is an amazing experience. Most of all, it is the best gift to give time and heart to those who truly need a lift during the holidays. Even if volunteering means ringing the bell outside a department store or going caroling, go for it and spread some Christmas cheer (as ELF would say, "sing loud for all to hear").

So, despite the fact that the early Christmas decorations and music might bring out the humbug in some, remember what joy it can eventually bring to others. Instead of complaining, make good use out of it. The beginning of the season is not all about self, but rather about others. Try looking at it in a different light, and maybe by Thanksgiving songs of "comfort and joy" will be being sung rather than tuned out.


There are many ways to volunteer and donate to good causes yearly. Numerous runs and walks are held for cancer, children, soldiers, and wounded warriors all the time. Events are constantly being held to help homeless. Homeless shelters are always in need of volunteers and counselors to help those who need someone to believe in them, and give them a push to get back on their feet. Bake sales could be held to help childhood hunger. For those wanting to help the troops and veterans, there are many websites and organizations to go to. Simply sending a package overseas, becoming a pen pal, helping in a wounded warrior game, or visiting the loval Veteran Hospital and saying thank you goes a long way. In all, these things are prime examples of keeping the Christmas Spirit year around, and remembering that the season may come once, but the spirit never leaves.