tis the season of giving

"one of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others." 

lewis carroll

the holidays are in full swing. i'm sure you've attended one....ahem....five...holiday parties at this point already. this is what the season is about. reconnecting. getting together. celebrating. rejoicing. being in the company of those we love. but amidst all the parties and presents, we may lose sight of the giving. of those less fortunate than ourselves who are not enjoying those parties and presents, who cannot be home with the ones they love, or maybe who don't have a home at all. so we learn to give, this is the season of giving. and there are so many ways to do so. 

look to your church, your children's schools, the town hall, even grocery stores. they are all most likely running drives to collect food and gifts. there are endless volunteer programs taking place during this time as well. look up soup kitchens in your area. look up meals on wheels. or non-profits that support children with disabilities. send a note to our soldiers abroad. habitat for humanity. stop by and visit with elderly people whom may not have anyone left. even just a hello and a smile can go a long way. 

the feeling of giving back is hugely rewarding. and once you experience it, you'll never want it to end.  the gift of giving is an incredible one, letting those in need receive. this will be something you make a tradition, or even more so, you start doing regularly. tis the season to brighten this world up. smile big, give hard, love all.