The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year….

for some…

For others, this time of year is sad and lonely.

Following are some ideas for you to be a Joy-Spreader for those having a difficult time during the holidays:

• MAIL:  Send cards or letters to the elderly or home-bound people in your life.
• VISIT:  Visit people who don’t have family or close friends nearby.  There are lots of people living in nursing homes that rarely have visitors–call ahead and ask who could use a visit.  Don’t forget your neighbors…sometimes those right under our noses, could use a friendly face in their lives.
• SERVE:  Serve a meal to the homeless, deliver a meal through Meals on Wheels, or visit a Children’s Home.  Smile and engage in conversation–being “seen” by someone is a powerful gift.
• INVITE:  Ask someone to join you for a holiday concert, your kid’s holiday play, a social gathering, or a church service.  Requiring less time, an invitation for a cup of coffee is also a great idea!
• REMEMBER:  Don’t let the “out of site, out of mind” adage leave your loved ones feeling left behind.  Remember those far away from home (military, college students, etc.) by sending a special care package and having frequent communication.
• PRACTICE COMPASSION: Be sensitive to those who have lost loved ones.  It never gets easy, but the sting of the loss is especially hard the first year or two.  This goes for those you have lost loved ones to death, but it’s also important to remember those who have experienced loss through divorce, too.

Here’s to being a rainbow in someone else’s cloud!

As always, I appreciate you spending time with me here today.  Please share this post with your friends, family, and co-workers.

Jill xx