Headed to Christmas in Florida a little differently. Our sis-in-law has cancer, just finished chemo and starts radiation soon. As a survivor I know the drill.

I wrote my post about paying it forward last month and even then mentioned that I find it boastful to talk about how I contribute, so really won't get into it here. Suffice it to say, I contribute as I can quietly and anonymously.

One of my favorite parts is the secret santa, to pick the needs/wants of a child from the tree and make them happen

I've been reaching out and doing to make some other people's Christmases better. 

Donating to charity

Does opening up a vein for the damn kids count? Money-grubbing little brats! LOL!

In our office we 'adopt' a family for Christmas, so I enjoy shopping for the names I select on the tree, and we also give toys to a local Marine's Toy Drive Dennis Swartz.  With so much 'need', I know it doesn't sound like much.  I also bake Christmas Cookies and give them to neighbors, as alot of our older folks live alone and often comment on how much they enjoy the cookies, because it's about 'being remembered'.  So for me, it all 'adds up' to wanting to make someone else's Christmas a little brighter!  

Doing a few things that I hope will make a difference to some.  

1. Set aside time for them.

2. Listen.

3. Acknowledge what they have overcome

4. Feed oxygen to their ember of courage.

5. Be their cheerleader

Christmas should not be different. It is astonishing what the gift of listening brings to those who have something they need to say.

I donate to Toys for Tots. Make quilts with Project Linus. And donate blood with my  son.

Always good to donate to charities.

Dennis,

We do it everyday, everyday is an opportunity to make someone's life better.  A

People should treat people well all the time all year without a reason...

What I do most of the year. 

Good for you Dennis..we have many charities we are helping and its very personally gratifying.

Helping others in as many ways as I can.  This is not unlike any other day or time of year.

Good deeds do not go unnoticed forever.   Good for you and your work, Dennis.  

Volunteering for Ringing the Bell for Salvation Army -- I do this annually.

I work hard to make life better for folks around me everyday, just as Jesus told us to do.

I hosted a toy drive mixer last thursday for the association.  Great turn out and lots of toys collected.  Going to three local charities.

I'm into that comfort and joy thing.

Have a few surprises up my sleeve!

Yes.

Great Holidays to you, my friends. 

Yes, this great time to make somebody's life a little bit better. 

I give out christmas cookies and gift cards to special people.

We help with a variety of organizations and look for opportunities to help people in need directly.

My family is my priority, so all specials are going to be for them. 

Yes, all schools and events asks for donations, every store asks for money, no one can  or should opt out of that:) 

  Inviting some elderly neighbors over for lunch, so that they won't be alone.

I already did :)...I sent money to a friend in Nicaragua so she can buy graduation uniforms to some kids there.

WE have adopted several families that need a hand and have done so for 15 years

The most important thing about Christmas for me, is the time we spend together. It is not about the presents, or the food, it is about sharing memories and good times. People go crazy during the holidays making sure they  buy presents for everybody, and not forgeting about "uncle Paul". Time doesn't cost any money. Let me do a litle test for you. Answer the following questions in order and don't skip questions until you have answered the question before.

1. Name the two most important people in your life.

2. What are you going to give them for Xmas?.

3. If you win the lottery, what will you give them for Xmas?

4. What will you give them for Xmas if you knew that this were  his/her last Xmas?

I will leave you with this thought.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Helping the elderly.

We bless peopl all Season, we don't wait for Christmas :)

I hope all of your readers will be paying it forward during the holidays and the coming year.

there is a family in need of clothers for the winter.... that's what I'll take care of...

A lot of people are more aware of the needs of others in the area now.  Through FB and other social media sites, more attention is brought to ways to help.