Making cards and gifts for loved ones is a great idea, especially if you find yourself strapped for cash. There's such fulfillment in watching people light up with happiness.

This year, the majority of gifts I gave were handmade. Custom cards. The "Love and Light" gift: a mason jar that could be filled with sand, water and or shells, complete with the forementioned materials (except for water), votives and matches. The "You Matter" gift: a design in a delicate frame with a purposely imperfect white tissue paper background. Here's a picture of that design (you might recognize the famous poem):

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

This morning my family lost our dear Great Aunt Phyllis. She was our matriarch...the oldest member of our family and the last of a few family lines. She was in her 90's, so full of life and brought sunshine and happiness to everyone. Her unconditional love and unending kindness will be missed. Her sense of humor will also be missed. She had a strong mind and quite the quick wit blended with a bit of what my Great Uncle Jack would call "ornery". Though she was a petite woman under 5' tall, she had a grand presence. She always brightened whatever room she entered.

She was quite the extrovert, yet shy and humble. She loved working for Jackson County and did so for several years after retirement. She had an amazing memory and truly knew everything about Jackson County, Ohio. This past year, the Jackson County mayor dedicated a day to her and she also won a lifetime achievement award. We are all so proud of her! Though she and my Great Uncle never had children, she loved each and every person she came in contact with, adopted them as family and took them under her wing. After my dad's mother died, Great Aunt Phyllis stepped in and became the closest thing to a mom to he and his sisters had...that makes this loss especially tough. 

She was ready to be Home and at peace...she was for a while, particularly after Great Uncle Jack passed (they were inseparable in life). As God's child, He brought her home in His time, though. And it is a comfort knowing that she can finally rest. She wouldn't want any of us to be sad, rather she'd want us to celebrate her beautiful life. I believe she is at peace now in Heaven reunited with Great Uncle Jack, generations of family and long time friends. 

We ask for your prayers as we grieve and also, for those traveling to Ohio for her funeral, please say a special prayer, as well.

We're reaching out to family and friends as best we can...there are a lot of arrangements to be made and so many people to call. That's one reason why I've posted here and on social media. Though it's a weird way to let everyone know (and for that I apologize), it's needed on this sad, busy day. Great Aunt Phyllis was (is) very loved.

Much love and appreciation for the prayers! ❤️❤️❤️

Love,

​Jen