Holiday Cheer

I hope this blog finds you well, and  everyone out there is focusing on the joy and reason for the season!

Another Holiday Season is here!   Hanukkah  is already over and  Christmas is on its way!

I guess I have been a little preoccupied and busy worrying instead of  keeping the Holiday Cheer!

I heard a great sermon on the radio today and the gentleman discussed American society  in this present age.  I thought I would share what he said. The comment  was made that Americans tend to be very self centered, and think of themselves as number one. The typical   ME Generation. You know,  everyone wants what they want now, and think of themselves first above anyone else.  Now I am not saying that is you or I, but we all know that its happening all around us, and we see it daily.  Especially with our microwave youth society who has technology in their back pocket, and the ability to fulfill their every desire with the click of a button and a credit card!

The tendency to focus on ourselves  rather than others  is quite common in this country.  However, every year in December something changes in our country and in our economy that is striking.    The average American is willing to spend huge amounts of money.  On the average, approximately $780/ pp   during this time of year to purchase gifts for other people.   Its amazing that so many are willing to go into debt and charge up their credit cards and give extravagant gifts to their friends and loved ones.   Its a wonderful thought and it definitely pumps up our economy and the pocket books of retailers and small businesses all over.   Money is moving and people are opening up their wallets and pulling out cash!      We all know that this time of year, the spending frenzy keeps many of our businesses alive for another year.  But the question posed, is whether we can keep that spirit of giving and caring MORE than just ONE time of year?  Can we do it year round without putting ourselves into debt?

What if folks started realizing how great it is to share and give to those around them on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?  How much would that change our culture?  What if people really understood what the Spirit of the Christmas was really about?   Yes, the birth of the Savior of the world was met with gifts but He gave back the biggest gift in return.    He shared his Love with us, and redeemed us through His Son.   We should all be grateful and humbled this time of year.

Gifts are great……. anytime of year, but they don’t need to be expensive or  extravagant!  How about note cards (oops showing my age) or emails,  telling your family and friends how special they are.   Let someone know you  love them by baking them cookies or making a delicious dinner from scratch! How about picking up the phone and calling someone you haven’t seen in a long time, or thanking the person at work who you may take for granted.  Appreciate your co workers, and the people you bump into each day.  Give them a gift……the gift of your smile, your kind words and your kind thoughts.  Those gifts daily can change our nation and boost our economy in more ways than you know!  Health and wellness would probably improve and people would want to continue the feel good gestures all the time.

I pray all of you enjoy the Spirit of the Season with your families and friends.  May the Season bring you Great Joy and Holiday Cheer as you share your gifts with all those you touch    Misslane

Tags: Christmas cheer, gifts, giving, Holiday Cheer