Countdown to Christmas with tips and trivia

A lady met a friend in a store the week before Christmas and as the two women chatted, she moaned to her friend,” I don’t have half my shopping done, I am never going to be ready for Christmas!” Her friend replied, with tongue in cheek humor, “You poor dear, didn’t you know it was coming?” Christmas does sometimes seem to have a way of sneaking up on us.
Christmas is literally around the corner- only 24 days away. The Herald Newspapers want to help by sharing holiday tips, trivia and humor to make this season even brighter.
You can make a difference to others this holiday season without spending a dime. The economics of Christmas can be difficult, especially if you have a large family or are a single parent.
Here are a few ways to give to others without spending a lot of money courtesy of “Frugal Living”:
· Volunteer- soup kitchens, rescue missions, senior citizens, single mothers with small children all appreciate your time. Ask someone you would like to show the kindness of the season to, what you could do to help.
· Visit- elderly folks in nursing homes have their days brightened by even a short visit.
· Get involved-find a cause that you are passionate about. Write letters, make phone calls, and see what needs to be done to help, but make sure you stay within their behavioral guidelines.
· Start at home-invite a neighbor that may be lonely over for a holiday dinner. Someone may need a ride to the mall or the doctor. Perhaps you know a family who is going through financial difficulties. You can help them directly instead of going through an agency. It can be as simple as sharing a pot of homemade soup or fresh baked cookies. It can even be delivered anonymously to their doorstep.
· Do what you do- do you crochet slippers or fix cars? There are orphanages, children’s hospitals, nursing home residents who would all be tickled to receive some of your handiwork. Bake a birthday cake for kids in a children’s home. You could do something.
Starting something new always takes effort. Thankfully, the rewards are so great. Giving is the heartbeat of the Christmas season.

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