Christmas Creative Care

Bake 'n' Take Your Favorite Christmas Cookie.

Recently, I heard of a man who lost his wife a few years ago. People were incredibly supportive of both of them while she was ill, but just a few short weeks after she passed away, those same people seemed to disappear. No more visits, no more phone calls, no more dinner invitations. . . Just silence. Christmastime brought a fresh wave of pain as the holiday traditions that he and his wife loved could no longer be enjoyed together. Even the holiday cookie jar that was so lovingly filled each year sat empty.

It does not take much to brighten somebody's day or even their entire holiday season. Often times, though, we may feel overwhelmed and intimidated about where to begin in reaching out to others. That is where bite-sized projects come in. Is there someone in your neighborhood that is going through a difficult time? They might just love a home-cooked meal and good conversation. Do you have an old friend who lives on the other side of the country (or world) who could use some encouragement? They are just a phone call away. Something as simple as a cookie delivery and/or a few minutes gifted to chat can mean the world to a person, especially during the holiday season.

Totally doable, right?

Totally.

Let's strap on our elf work boots and our (not-so-secret) Santa thinking caps and spread some selfless kindness.

Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

1. Whip up a batch of your favorite cookies, fill a few cheerfully colored plates and spend an afternoon or evening making special deliveries to neighbors.

2. Head over to the nearest nursing home or assisted living home to help brighten a lonely afternoon for residents. (Don't forget to bring your friendly conversation and mad checker-playing skills.)

3. Next time you are at the grocery store, pick up a handful of gift cards. These can make a world of difference to a financially hurting family during the holiday season. You can ask at your school district's office to give them to families they know need a bit of assistance or mail them anonymously to neighbors.

4. Invite someone over to share a meal with you and your family. This can be a recently widowed individual, a couple without family nearby, a family recently moved into the area, the possibilities are endless.

5. Deliver a meal to someone in recovery from surgery, illness or going through cancer treatments. (You can even include a freezer meal to help them another day.)

Remember, it isn't about the amount of money you spend or the amount of time you give. What matters is that selfless act of kindness and its power to positively impact the life of another person.

So, get creative and share the love.

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

CHALLENGE: Do not be random in your acts selfless kindness. Be thoughtful and intentional.