I worked on this piece a few years ago...thought it would be a nice edition to this website and we could all use a reminder of the message now and then. :-) The picture is now featured in the My Art gallery.

Hey all,

Christmas is just 9 days away! When I was a kid, I loved how Christmastime transformed everyone and everything. The season of love, joy and perpetual hope tends to have that effect...or it should. Christmas can be the absolute best or worst time of year for people, and this year I sense it's not the best judging by the environment around me. 

What can we do to warm hearts this season? Here are a few thoughts:
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• Participate in church activities (including services) and bring a friend with you.
• We are all different, yet we are all the same. Befriend someone new. 
• Pay for a person's groceries, coffee, etc.
• Smile and laugh more.
• Listen to Christmas music...warms the heart.
• Recognize that some people are dealing with more than you can imagine...empathy and unconditional love can go a long way. No one likes to be struggling, depressed and/or alone.
• Greet people (yes that includes strangers) with a hearty "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays".
• Thank employees in person for their hard work (and if possible, throw in a bonus and a few extra paid vacation days).
• Volunteer at soup kitchens, food pantries, etc.
• Help a colleague complete a strict deadline. There are countless people who work overtime to make ends meet. Extra help would be a priceless gift. This includes more flexibility from upper management.
• Random acts of kindness. Be creative and have fun with it.
• If someone does something nice for you, pay it forward.
• Be a light in the darkness.
• Help someone across the street. 
• Give a blanket, clothes, a gift card for food, a cup of coffee, etc. to that homeless person you pass by almost every day.
• Make an anonymous financial donation to a family in need of funds just to put food on the table.
• Give an unemployed person a job.
• Throw a festive holiday party to celebrate the season.
• Spend time with your child/children.
• Take your significant other on a romantic date.
• Kiss that "girl" or "boy" under the mistletoe.
• The possibilities are endless...

I hope that wherever you are, whomever you're with and whatever you're doing, that you're enjoying this beautiful season. If you find someone in need of cheer, don't be afraid to reach out. Sure, there's always the possibility that efforts will backfire, but there's always the possibility that you'll bring much needed sunshine to someone's day!

Sending you love and happy hugs!

Jen

Lesson cred: ​Brené Brown