Christmas All Year
I love this by Charles Swindoll. I hope it blesses you!
Have you ever thought about giving something away every day of the year leading up to Christmas? These daily gifts could be called our "Christmas projects," one per day, every day till Christmas. Just think of the fun of being able to say "Merry Christmas" in July!
Here are a few suggestions:
Mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Write a long overdue love note.
Hug someone tightly and whisper, "I love you so."
Forgive an enemy.
Be gentle and patient with an angry person.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Find the time to keep a promise.
Make or bake something for someone else. Anonymously.
Release a grudge.
Listen.
Speak kindly to a stranger.
Enter into another's sorrow.
Smile.
Laugh a little.
Laugh a little more.
Take a walk with a friend.
Lessen your demands on others.
Play some beautiful music during the evening meal.
Apologize if you were wrong.
Turn off the television and talk.
Treat someone to an ice-cream cone (yogurt would be fine).
Do the dishes for the family.
Pray for someone who helped you when you hurt.
Fix breakfast on Saturday morning.
Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly.
Encourage an older person.
Point out one thing you appreciate most about someone you work with or live near.
Offer to babysit for a weary mother.
Let's make Christmas one long, extended gift of ourselves to others. Unselfishly. Without announcement. Or obligation. Or reservation. Or hypocrisy.
This is Christianity, isn't it?
When you give yourself, the gift never has to be returned.
The list goes on and on. Make it a great day!
And....Happy 9th Anniversary to Justin and Keelie.
And....Happy 9th Anniversary to Justin and Keelie.
Makes me think of Matthew West's song "Give This Christmas Away"!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite: Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly...
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AMEN! Love that idea. What a wonderful world it would be.
ReplyDeletei love this...thanks for sharing, i'm going to share this!
ReplyDeleteYes, this post is awesome. Thanks for sharing and getting me thinking about what I can do, today.
ReplyDeleteSo true and I didn't know that was from Charles Swindoll. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Delighted to meet you! I'm a Nana too - just one so far but there are TWO babies on the way )not twins... two mamas!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen that before, but it is great, and so very true!! Thanks for sharing it hon!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a Wonderful Christmas filled with
Hope and Joy!!
Nellie
What lovely ideas! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to Justin and Keelie! Wonderful post, Diana!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of giving away a bit of myself each and every day. Thanks for blessing my day with this suggestion.
ReplyDeleteMay your giving be full of joy,
Debi
What a great list, and great advice! Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThe best gifts are heart gifts and this list holds the best of them. I am so thankful you shared it. I want to copy it. Thought provoking advice. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeletegreat list Diana...Happy 9th Anniversary to your kiddos..
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