Planning: Give a Little

Christmas is my favorite!

I love the snow, I love the lights, I even love the cold!...and I love that gingerbread house!  

This time of year has a natural ability to bring people closer together...which likely has something to do with the cold. Sometimes I get desires to go out and sing carols on a busy corner. Or go volunteer my time at a homeless shelter.

I wish I could follow through with those desires.

My problem is that I am a shy guy!

I’m terrified of being hated, mocked, or disliked. I know it is an odd fear (yet probably very common), but I often judge my worth based on reactions I get. This in turn, keeps me from saying what’s on my mind, or expressing my true feelings. And when I do, I immediately feel selfish and idiotic.

I do my best not to judge others, mostly because I’m afraid of the way they will judge me. But Christmas is different. People are nicer just because. People bring you treats just because you’re a neighbor. They offer service just because they know you. I used to be one of those people, but somewhere down the road, I forgot how.

A lot of changes are happening this year. I have stumbled a couple times already in my attempts to be more generous and charitable, but I’m still here, and I’m still trying. I haven’t lost hope. And our house is bursting with more Christmas cheer than ever before since we've been married.

Just last night, I came home from work an hour late, because of weather conditions, to find a clean driveway, in spite of the 6-8 inches of fresh snow. The house had been cleaned, the tree was lit, and everyone greeted me at the door. Let me tell you...nothing says “I love you” like a warm “Welcome home!” after nearly 11 hours of work.

This year I’m going to try a little harder to give, even though I’m scared to commit to anything too large. So instead, I’ll start small.

For those who don’t know, Sandy has an annual Christmas Festival. It has always been one of my favorite Christmas events, filled with wonderful creations from amazing gingerbread houses to elegant trees. For a few years, I was even able to participate by donating my voice as a performer.

It wasn't until I became an adult that I learned what the event was really all about. Everything you see at the festival is up for bid, and every! single! penny! goes to helping children at the children’s hospital. (Last year they raised over 1.8 million!)

Anastasia has been wanting to go every year since we were married, but I have never been able to because of heavy school loads and approaching finals. This year, not only are we able to go, but we are able to help!

The season is just starting! Don’t wait until Christmas Eve before you invite Christmas spirits into your home!