Once again it's Christmas Time,
time for us to be,
Busy wrapping presents
and setting up the tree.
It seems we have so many things,
to think of and to do,
We may forget that Christmas,
has a deeper meaning too.
A meaning that goes far beyond,
the things the eye can see,
Such as Holly wreaths, Mistletoe,
and Gifts beneath the tree.
For these are only Symbols,
of what happened Christmas morn,
When in a little manger,
God's only Son was born.
GOD put HIM here upon this Earth,
with one idea in mind.
To put New Hope around the World,
and LOVE in all Mankind.
So even though we're busy,
and have many things to do,
Let's not forget that Christmas,
has a deeper Meaning too.
 

~Eugene W. Miller

 

 

Acts of Random Kindness

 

This time of year it seems that people are generally in a good mood.  The holiday season, while stressful at times, is just a great time of year.  I know that I always enjoy the GIVING of this month vs the GETTING. 

 

 

Below are some ways that we can show kindness, not only at Christmas, but the whole year through....  

 

 

10 Gifts That Don't Cost a Thing!

 

1. Take a wonderful photo of your recipient's child or pet. Make a paper frame or enclose it in a pretty card.
2. Volunteer the gift of a skill: Show a friend or relative how to knit, swim or use a digital camera.
3. Give a neighbor a card promising to shovel her driveway on the day of the first big storm. If you live in a warmer climate, guarantee to tend the lawn one weekend.
4. Offer the couple down the street a free evening of looking after the kids. Or you can promise them some pet-sitting while they're on vacation.
5. Give plant cuttings that can be nurtured throughout the winter and planted in the spring. If you're in the South and your garden is in season, give flowers, fruits or vegetables.
6. Send an audio letter to a faraway relative. If you have young relatives who don't live near you, record yourself reading a children's book so you seem that much closer.
7. For the constant reader, use holiday or other cards to make bookmarks. Cut the cards into strips that show complete scenes (Santa coming down the chimney, for example). Punch a hole at the top of every strip and pull a ribbon through it.
8. Give your recipient a list of off-the-beaten-path Web sites related to her interests (gardening, antiquing). Add a brief comment for each site. For a striking holiday background to your list, download free color pages from activityvillage.co.uk. (Click on the Seasonal Pages link on the left side of the main page.)
9. If you like to write, compose a poem or a very short story for your recipient. Include references to events in her life and jokes that just the two of you share.
10. For your favorite hard-core coupon clipper, assemble a collection of the best coupons you can find, plus a guide to coupon sites like coolsavings.com. 

~ from Quick & Simple