This post is a bit of an experiment or exercise in finding the good in this time of year for me (and maybe 1 or 2 others out there). Earlier today, I made a post on Twitter which I meant, but still wondered more about.I thought how could a former alter boy from some 29 years ago feel so cynical? Well, easy actually. But the tougher (and more worthy) answer would be how do I combat that.
So in the process of listining to the BeeGees and sipping some slightly more alcoholic beverage than I care to admit to, I came up with a list of 10 ways to be a rock star this holiday (and yes, I will say Christmas in the course of this post), season.
Quick note before it gets started, the orininal opening mentioned Guitar Hero (which I have become slightly addicted to since the GF and I bought it earlier this year). I even had a link to it at Amazon for those who would be interested in it. After reading what was in my mind in this list, too it out. If you want it, please (and I mean this as nicely as possible), search for it yourself without my affiliate link.
So, here is my list... PLEASE feel free to add to it.
10. Donate to the Red Kettles the Salvation Army operates. Last year at this time, my girlfriend and I stopped off at a Wal-Mart or someplace where the bell ringer was located. I gave him a $2 bill (not many folks know what those are), as we walked in. About 4 minutes later as we were leaving with our purchases, (that's a record), the bell ringer was gone. I started thinking, "if only I had waited until we were leaving to give the donation..."
They don't ask for much. If you have the ability to go in to a shopping establishment, think about all of those who don't. They'll even take those pennies you've been saving to pay your traffic tickets with and won't put out a warrant for your arrest.
9. Bring cookies, cupcakes, pre-made dinners to your local firehouse or police station. It's a great way of saying thank you. (trust me, they'll eat it and be very appreciative). Plus you might even get these tough guys to shed a tear or 2. They don't get the recognition they deserve.
8. Donate your time at a food pantry or shelter. It's an opportunity to see how the "other half" lives. It gives you a first hand view of how life can be so different in one's own community. Be greatful for what you have, where you are, where you came from, and more so, what you can to do help others.
7. Rember those to deliver for you. It could be Carl your letter carrier, Tori the UPS driver, Antonia from FedEx or whoever. If they make more than a single trip to your place or work hole in the wall, think of them with something. Lottery tickets is a maybe, but make sure they have a shot to winning something. And food and gift cards are always appreciated.
6. Toys for Tots. Search our your area and give them something. The Marines run a great program. Or click the link. Christmas (and yes, I said the "C" word) is for the kids. See #2 if you don't get it.
5. Watch a movie (with an open mind). "Miracal on 34th St. (with Natalie Wood,)," "A Wonderful Life," "The Muppet Christmas Carrol (not so much). These are all wonderful films. and yes, they have been around for a while. But this time, watch them as if never before. Imagine yourself in them, not just watching a movie. How would you feel being Susan or George Bailey?
4. Use your special talents for the enjoyment for others. if you can write, write. If you can draw, draw. If you can take great pictures, do that for those who appreciate them. It's one thing if you do them for your job, hobby or career, but it's entirely another if you do them as a gift or fund raiser for others.
Yes, I know it's a tad late for this year, but it doesn't need to just be for now. How can you use your talents other times of the year? For other occasions? for others in need?
3. Take those who may not be able to get out to lighting displays. Rent, borrow, creatively gain use of, (don't steal it, dummy), a bus or larger vehicle where several people can take part in at the same time. Find a senior center or some other place where folks don't get the chance to get out, and them them on a tour. Or maybe you can take the tour and video record your adventure and make a mini movie of it? (check the rules and copyright). SHARE!!!!!!!!!!
2. Volunteer. Hospitals, daycare centers, senior centers, it doesn't matter. Get out there, share of yourself. (Hint, it's free). And... People love that more than some gift they may or may not care for. Get out there, give of yourself. Learn to love this time of year (despite all of the corporate crap that comes with it). Yes, it's more than just a gift of ties or socks.
1. Forget about physical things. Personally, I always wonder about the other 364.25 days a year we live through. What are those for if all we have to give others is gifts on this single day? It's as if they don't matter. I can buy the fact that this has become a "special day," (despite not living up to the day and event it is named for). yes, it sucks to get nothing at all, to be forgotton or just plain ignored on this day (time of year). But it shouldn't take December 25th (or dates surrounding it) to remind us to give a damn about others.
Lemme know what you think. Add to the list PLEASE!!!!!! I know this list could be hundreds long. It's just 9:11 at night here and I am just tossing this out there.
Share your thoughts, ideas, what would make this even better.
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David Stoddard
Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/djstoddard
Laugh a bit and get out of your own way at www.djstoddard.com
Balance your business-life and your life-life with us at www.biz-e-life.com
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