This year’s theme is Give. Each of these things are to give of yourself or to give something to someone. Good luck.
1. Give Care.
There are many people giving service around the world. The first thought for most is our troops. There are troops overseas in war zones and even some that are left serving elsewhere. There are missionaries serving around the world as well. Here at home, there are fireman, police officers, nurses, EMT’s, etc. Build a care package and give to someone that is giving service, whether at home or abroad. Show them you appreciate them giving of themselves, their time, and potentially their lives for you. If you don’t have a member of the military in your family serving, ask a neighbor or a friend, chances are they do. Or visit: www.anysoldier.com. Give an Ear.
We live in a day and age where we are moving so fast, trying to get ahead, trying to cram as much into our daily schedules as we can. Always moving forward, never looking backward. So this challenge is about giving an ear to someone else. This will require a little of your time, but how much you could gain from this challenge by listening to someone of the past. Listen to your grandparents or someone from another generation about their challenges, and their joys.
3. Give Cheer.
Now this one is a little difficult to explain. This is just pure about the holiday spirit. There are a lot of people who are feeling down, or feel like this Christmas may not be that special. This is your chance to spread that holiday love around. Now, of course by doing any of the other challenges, you’re almost automatically doing this, but this one is probably the easiest to do. Take cookies to a neighbor’s house. Tell ‘em Merry Christmas and that you’re glad they’re your neighbor. Maybe there is someone you see on a daily basis like a co-worker or a cashier. Tell them Happy Holidays and send a smile their way.
4. Give Carols.
Now although this is number four, it is by far one of my secret delights. Unless you know me and then it’s not a secret. Sing Christmas Carols! Sing them in your car, at work, hum them at the gym. Let them ring! Take it a step further and sing in your neighborhood. Sing at a rest home. Sing at a hospital. It’s a double plus because people will appreciate you singing to them, and no one cares if you’re on key. :)
5. Give a Favor.
Sometimes we are so busy running through our daily lives that when someone asks us to do something or if we can do something our initial reaction is no. This year, let it be “Yes!” Tell them, “you know what, I really don’t mind doing that for you.” Your friends' minds will be blown and you can feel like you’ve done something good. Cause you have. Give favor by giving time. Maybe there are some traditions or parts of holidays you don’t like doing. This year, do it without grumble, because after all, it’s not about you.
6. Give Service.
This is probably one of the most important ones. No matter which if any of the items on this list you do, make an effort to do this one. Whether it’s helping someone rake leaves, shoveling snow, giving a ride, or even harder manual labor. I know that some or all of this list could be classified as service, but I challenge you to find at least 3-5 hours of dedicated service this Christmas. If you don’t think there are opportunities around you, look harder. They are there.
7. Give life.
I’m not real sure why I added this one this year. But it seems there is always a shortage of blood. If you’re able this Christmas, give the gift of blood. https://www.givelife.org/ will help you find a way how. (If you’re an aviator, consult your flight doc first…lol) There are many people that this can help and though you’re never likely to know how or when it helped someone, know that if someone depends on blood this Christmas, it will be the best gift they’ll ever receive.
8. Give a Meal
There are many ways to do this one. Invite a friend or friends over. Reconnect in a way that doesn’t involve a keyboard and a mouse (or a keypad for you phone savvy types). Give a meal to someone in need. There are many grocery stores who often have programs where you can donate food items or even purchase a holiday meal for someone. Give food to a food bank. (work there, and bam you’re working towards #6 as well). Go to a soup kitchen or something of the like and serve food there. Ronald McDonald Houses also need help for meals too. There are many people in need, who aren’t looking for the Filet Mignon. Simply looking for something to fill the belly.
9. Give a Ghost.
I have not done this one before, but it sounds fun. This can be in conjunction with giving cheer. I have heard of people making gift baskets and or goodies and leaving it for someone as a surprise. Kind of like toilet papering your friends house, minus the angry friend and messy cleanup. Plus it could make someone happy.
10. Give Heart.
In everything that you do this holiday, open your heart. Let compassion, love, and charity be your guide. Don’t get into an oral debate with the bell ringer in front of Kmart about why he’s telling you “Merry Christmas” and why he just wants to give you a Tootsie Roll. Don’t bah humbug the kid trying to sell you needless holiday goo from school. Don’t drive by that person walking in the rain with two bags of groceries and mumble “gee they should have waited to go to the store.” Pick them up. Help the old lady reach the top shelf. I guarantee that as you open your heart and mind to be more sensitive to the needs of others, you will be that much more happy and your life and those around you will be blessed.
11. Give Toys.
I would be remised if I didn’t mention Toys 4 Tots. This is a super way to give as well. Not only to the Marine standing next to the box, but to the many children who will benefit from this program. Just one unwrapped new toy will do. A simple way to deliver cheer. http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/ will help you figure out how and where you can donate.
Well, that is the list and challenge for this year. Good luck with it. Be creative. Make a bookmark or put something on your fridge to remind you. This list came out late this year, so your time is short. Holidays can be a greater event if we remember that charity is the way to spread and show love. From the simple act of saying thank you to helping someone in need. You never know, you may be on the other end of a challenge one day. God Bless, and Merry Christmas.
