One of my favorite classic holiday books is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I love how Ebenezer Scrooge is able to change his “Bah Humbug” attitude and embrace the spirit of the season. It may have taken a visit from three ghosts and a dead friend, but eventually, he changed his ways.
What are you doing this month to change your ways? Here are some easy ways to spread holiday cheer:
- GIVE TO A NEEDY CHARITY – As a kid, I couldn’t wait to open my Christmas gifts. It was the most exciting day of the year! But as an adult, the best thing is watching my daughter, Katelyn, open her gifts and enjoy the holiday. My husband, Will, and I have taught Katelyn that life isn’t just about receiving, but also about giving. The holidays are the perfect time to give to charity or help out a needy family. My friend, Alfonso Jaramillo, puts on his “A Night for Smiles” fundraiser every year to buy toys for needy children in Colombia. It’s coming up this Wednesday at Baru Urbano in Miami. It’s a perfect way to give back, if you don’t have a charity of choice already. E-mail me for details. Not only will giving back help someone out, but if you remember to get a receipt, our Brigade Bookkeeping team can help write off your charitable contribution. Now that’s a win, win!
- COOK OR EAT A MEAL TOGETHER – I am NOT a great cook, but around the holidays, I try to take the time to make a special meal with family and then sit down together to eat it. Making a meal puts you in the holiday mood and leaves lasting memories for years to come.
- READ, WATCH OR RE-LIVE A HOLIDAY CLASSIC – If you don’t have time to read a holiday classic, like “A Christmas Carol,” then listen to the audio version or look up your local theater for a live holiday performance of it on stage. ABC Family even has a 25 days of Christmas TV lineup that includes favorites like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- BE GRATEFUL – On Thanksgiving, everyone makes it a point to give thanks and say thank you, but why not make this a practice throughout the year? This doesn’t have to be a big gesture, just try to practice this in your daily life. For instance, when you get into an elevator and someone presses the button for you, pull yourself away from your phone and say thank you. It’s as simple as that!
You have less than a month until the end of the year. Make sure you take the spirit of the season to heart… forget the Bah Humbug and spread some holiday cheer!
