Lorrie Struiff, the author of the paranormal thriller, "Gypsy Crystal," is here to offer some holiday suggestions and to giveaway a free copy of here story, "Wild Blackberries." Leave a comment to win. I'll choose a random commenter and announce the winner here on December 11th. If I can contact the winner by email, I'll do so, otherwise you'll need to send a note to mgdasef (AT) gmail.com
Read all about Lorrie's writing on her website.
Now, here's Lorrie:
Hi Marva, thanks for the invitation to your blog. I’m so happy to be here.
Well, it’s that time of year again, the hustle, the bustle, the parties, the food planning and the gift buying. Families gather to share the festivities. We start gift buying on Thanksgiving—or before—for the big day.
I don’t know about you readers, but by the time the holiday does arrive, I’m wishing it were over. In fact, I’m holidayed out way before the big day.
I get tired of the grandchildren yelling, “I want that, I want that” every time a toy ad is shown on TV.
Many of us would like a less commercialistic month, I’m sure.
There are so many things you can do.
Sometimes, I purchase a food gift card from the local grocery store and mail it to a needy family that I know--anonymously of course.
There may be an elderly couple I know whose children cannot come home for the holiday. I invite them to share my family and dinner for the day.
There is a handicapped person near who may need to get out shopping. I offer to take them.
There may be a shut-in living near. They appreciate a visit and some company.
There is so much more, but I’m sure you know what I mean.
Even the littlest of things you do can make you and the person feel good.
Help a neighbor carry groceries into their house.
Offer them a cup of hot coffee when they are hanging Christmas lights in the cold.
Shovel snow out of an elderly person’s driveway or sidewalk.
Haul out their garbage can for pickup day.
Great advice Lorrie! I love to pick up toys for the Toys for Tots campaigns each year. Several years, I involved my kids in buying gifts for families in need - they tended too much toward the "I want I want" too, so they learned what it was like for families who had almost nothing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new release!
Cate
Last Xmas I was bah humbug and didn't even put up a tree. This year I have family coming , so the tree is up. I do a lot of different work before Xmas. Mainly at the local hospice, church etc . I can't say as if I'm too bothered about Xmas now the kids are gone, but you have to make the effort... Don't you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteYou're right--you've inspired me to think of doing more for people outside of my immediate family. Thanks. Lois
I'd like to thank Lorrie for stepping in at the last moment to give us all some great advice for the Holidays.
ReplyDeleteHi Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI'm writing this as we're taking a break from putting up our tree. LOL
I remember quite a few years back, my brother and wife were having a tough time financially. All their daughter wanted was a scooter and they were upset because they couldn't afford it. So my sister and I pitched in and bought one for her. I wrapped it and left it outside their door (they lived in the same apartment building as me). I rang their buzzer and ran. haha I was listening at the top of the steps when they opened the door. Her cheers and laughter was one of those priceless moments that I'll never forget. I still don't think she knows who it came from.
Last year we went to a restaurant and we were seated by these two nuns who were looking inside their change purses. I told my husband that I think we're supposed to buy their lunch. He asked why I thought that and I said it felt like God placed it in my heart that we were meant to do something special for these two women. He didn't argue. We called the waitress over and told her to put their bill on ours. I don't think I was ever blessed so much before...from the nuns and from the warm glow I felt in my heart that you talked about.
Thanks for reminding me of the real meaning of Christmas.
Darla