Consider giving this holiday season

With the rush of the holiday season closing in on us, I encourage people to consider one important aspect of making the holidays joyful for others less fortunate—giving.
As the year comes to a close, I’m so thankful for what I have in my life. I actually become overwhelmed with thankfulness, especially knowing about all the hardships going on in the world.
This would be the perfect time for you to be an elf and bring a little jingle into the holidays for others who may be struggling. It’s my wish that people will remember those who are having trouble.
There are so many ways you can help. You can make cash or food donations to food shelves or other charities. Many communities have giving or sharing trees. Charities are always accepting cash donations.
I’ve always tried to instill in my children the importance of giving. During the holiday season, we load up the family van and the kids head to the local grocery store. The kids spend their hard earned allowances on buying groceries and then bringing them to the local food shelf. It’s a gratifying feeling knowing you’re helping someone who is going hungry.
Another way we’ve helped out is through our local 4-H club, which participates in a program called, “Armful of Love.” The club adopts a family and then club members head to the local store to pick out Christmas gifts for the family. My kids have experienced so much enjoyment out of that for several years.
There are other ways to reach out. If you know of someone who is unemployed, show up on their doorstep with some food or gifts. We need to spread love and gratitude to everyone during the holidays. This is the season of giving, and not getting.
It often takes tragedies for people to come forth to help others. But we don’t need to sit back and wait for something tragic to happen in order to pitch in.
I hope you and your family will seriously consider helping out another family in need. It may help you as you’re going in hot pursuit of finding happiness and fulfillment in your life this holiday season.