Working 14 Christmas seasons at Hallmark is enough to make anyone less than trilled about this time of year. If you've worked any retail job in your life I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Rude, pushing, shoving, demanding, yelling, frustrated, short tempered folks everywhere you turn. Add extra events, family squabbles, the pressure to find the perfect gift , cold, dark weather and you've got a recipe for the grumpiest time of year.
Most years I keep my head down and avoid the season. Over Thanksgiving I spent some time pondering what it is that I REALLY want for Christmas. What does this season mean to me and how can I make this year different? Sure I'd like a new laptop, but the spirit of the season is FAR more rewarding than "things."
This year I've chosen a different strategy: beginning December first I choose to look for at least one opportunity each and every day to give to someone. Maybe it's a kind word, good deed, spare change or 10 boxes of macaroni and cheese, people have needs and why shouldn't I help? It's only been a week, but I've had the opportunity to donate food to a family in need, thank a salesperson for their great service, donate toys to children, take a friend to lunch, send a thank you card and return a lady's wallet and keys to her. I will never forget how happy she was and the bear hug she gave me (a total stranger) for giving back something that was hers to begin with. How lucky am I that I get to be part of the good things happening to others? What a privilege to be part of their joy.
I'm not sharing this to pat myself on the back, but to share that there are so many ways of giving during this busy time of year. It doesn't take much, just be aware of your surroundings and the opportunities WILL present themselves. It's an AMAZING feeling and the BEST gift I could ever give myself!.
I can tell you the past week has changed my life, I can't wait to see what's next!
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