What does Christmas mean to you? A time to celebrate, or a time to crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head, hoping the season disappears soon. 
So many people have lost loved ones in the past, and too often it’s happened near a major holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or, a spouse is out of work (like at our house right now) and there’s not a lot of extra income for decorations or gifts.

What do you do if you fit into one of these categories?

It’s not easy and there’s no simple answer, but I do have a suggestion or two that might help a little.

Find at least one person–maybe even two or three–that are in worse shape than you. That might be an elderly person in a nursing home who never gets a visitor and would love a plate of cookies, a hug and a smile.

It might be a child with both parents out of work (you can talk to the school, your church, or Social Services for suggestions) and see if there’s an inexpensive item you can purchase that would bring them joy. If money isn’t an issue for you, consider even purchasing something for the parents, as well.

Join a church or community function that reaches out in some way. It might be serving a hot meal to the homeless, singing carols in your neighborhood, or volunteering in some capacity.

Get involved. Giving of yourself and time will do MUCH to bolster your own spirits and take your focus off your own loss.

Jesus came to earth to give His life that we might have life more abundantly. Let’s follow His example in some little way while here–the world will be a better place if we do.

Merry Christmas, From Allen and Miralee , and Lacey.
The picture I posted is Lacey, celebrating in her own special way….on HER couch near the wood stove and the Christmas tree! Who knows? There might even be a present under there for her!