Thursday, November 21, 2019

Gifts of Kindness and Love

I just want to leave a little something for everyone to think about.
There are many folks who have tiny families and then there are people who have NO family.  I think when it comes to the holidays, we all look forward to giving (even when money is tight).
Giving just makes you feel good.  Giving with a loving and kind heart really makes you feel good.  Giving, not because you feel you have to, but because it is kind - is the best.

We all know a person or family that is in dire straights.  Sometimes, certain gifts of helping can make the recipient feel bad.  We never want to hurt someone's feelings or make them feel self conscious about their situation.
Here is an idea that can help.  Buy a gift card (that you can afford) and mail it to the individual.  When mailing - make the mailing address and the return address BOTH the same (the recipients).  That way they will get it either way. (MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT ADDRESS)
You can send them a useful gift and still be anonymous.
Places that sell groceries - would be a great idea.  Or even a place like WM, Meijer, Target that sells everything.  Gas cards would also be handy.

Stop by your local nursing home and ask if there are 2 or 3 people that NEVER have visitors.  Consider visiting them on the holiday or around the holiday to just sit and chat.  Listen to their stories (we can learn a lot) and share pictures of young-ins and just talk about anything.  Perhaps take a small gift of warm socks or slippers, maybe a fleece throw, a large print book, a magazine with lots of neat pictures or even goodies (check with home on diet restrictions).


Pay it forward.  Maybe make a donation to or buy gifts for shelters.  Socks, gloves, hats, fleece throws, health & beauty supplies - are always appreciated.  There are men's shelters, women's and family shelters.  I always think about how sad it is for kids in shelters - why they get left out at Christmas.  I can't imagine what goes through their minds.
Make kits for the homeless - gallon zip-lock bag with toothbrush, tooth paste, soap, wash cloth, wipes, snacks, etc.  I used to make up dozens of these and pass them out at the local soap kitchen.  They were always appreciated.  Most items were bought at the Dollar Tree (you can get multi-packs of many things for $1)

Think about donating food, litter, old towels, newspapers, etc. for animal shelters.  Maybe sit and visit with some of the animals.  That is good for you and for them!

If you are alone - how about working at the local dinner for homeless or those that are alone.  Many communities have dinners and so do many churches.  They can all use extra help.  Sit and talk with some of the folks - they may enjoy your friendship for the day.

Many community schools have children who are behind or can't pay for their hot meals each day.  Offer to pay for meals for those most in need.  

Donate food and other supplies to the local food pantries.  Your donation may change someone's life - at least for a week or two.

Just a few ideas to help someone that may need a kind word or deed to make their day, week, month or maybe year.  We never know what it is like in someone else's shoes.
So take a moment to imagine what others are experiencing, and do a little bit to help.
It doesn't take a lot - and you may feel better as well.

Let's all do a little and change the world a lot.  BE KIND
Blessings to you all!

20 comments:

  1. Cheryl you are always thinking of others and I so love your posts. They remind me to be a better person. Love, love love this post.

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    1. Aahhhh thank you. We just need to help one another more.

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  2. A smile, hand written letter or a phone call can make someone's day too. Great reminder to think of others.

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    1. Yes it can. The simplest things can mean the most.

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  3. Hi Cheryl, All good ideas! Happy Thanksgiving to you. Nancy

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    1. Hello Nancy. Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

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  4. Love all these ideas. They come from someone with a kind heart. I have three widower neighbours. Each Christmas I make them all shortbread. One I make a Christmas Pudding for and the other two get a small pavlova. I started doing this when Bluey visited with them, and over a few beers they were talking about what they missed at Christmas that their wives made. It's not difficult to make up a bit more.

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    1. How sweet is that. I bet it makes their holiday season. A little kindness goes a long way. Thanks you for doing that.

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  5. You know I have posted so many times before that it's just me & my DH. That's what we do is give. We are very mindful. I think a lot of people give and it goes to big CEO of some "charitable foundation". DH & I take our donations to the source and give them to the source. We love seeing the children smile or puppy kisses. I really love puppy kisses, lol. I admit DH & I are not frugal for Christmas. I know this is a frugality blog. I know I will get the side eye from those who read comments that I can give and be frugal at the same time. We love to donate. We were young & poor it was our dream to do this. We worked hard to reach this point in our lives.

    Don't forget teenagers. I know everyone is like toys for kids. Christmas is so associated for kids. Teenagers can take this holiday really hard. I was there once and it was so lonely. Teenagers love to give around the holidays too. They want to give gifts as much as give them. Buy a box of cards, cute pen and stickers for a teenager so she can give cards to her friends along with a gift for her. I know people don't want to give to teens because they think they expect some big electronic item. Believe it or not they don't. They would love a crochet afghan or mittens. Homemade equals family, love and security.

    Another idea invite those over you know who just need to set in quiet and peace. My home for the longest time was known as the peaceful home for holidays. My friends would come over just to set and look at my tree. I had a big tree I would decorate every year in a theme. They were famed. Even neighbors would bring their out of state family over to see my trees. I would always have music playing and treats. When I lost my son I didn't have the energy or heart to do the trees any more. I started tabletop trees. I didn't invite anyone over that year. My friends begged me that the tabletop trees were just as beautiful. Yes, they loved my trees but they loved the peace of my home and the safety. Everyone told me my home is love. I decorated my tabletop tree tonight. This year is purple with unicorns and a feather crown topper. :) It is quirky. I can't wait for my friends to come over and see it.

    I know another long comment. I hope it sparks some ideas for readers.

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    1. Love this and thank you.
      No side eye look from me. We are frugal on some things to be able to do others. Whatever brings you happiness and peace in YOUR life is all that matters. No judgement here.
      I do not donate to large groups any longer either. I do everything on a much more private level.

      I guess I mention children - as I can't imagine a child wondering why Santa isn't coming to them. What did they do? Were they that bad? It is just sad.
      Yes teens need special attention and love as well. Nice ideas.

      You have the peaceful house to your friends and I have the 'nap' house. Sounds like we have both made a cozy dwelling that others feel comfortable in. That is such a compliment.

      I am not sure what I will do this year without G here. Haven't decorated at all. I will do something - but it will be different. I know he would want me to and it is also a tribute to those gone that we have changed, but we have by no means forgotten. Change happens.

      Your little tree sounds adorable. I am sure everyone will love it and you know they love you.

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  6. The hospital that I work for has done a senior tree for the last few years. They ask administrators at local nursing homes for the names of residents and some things that they want/need. It is so humbling to see the items they request...socks, sweaters, lotion, soda, the basic's. I have enjoyed participating in this activity so much every year. Last year I picked a gentleman that requested socks and after shave. This year the woman is asking for socks and pjs. Doing this really puts things in to perspective for me and humbles me to the core while reminding me how truly blessed I am and have always been.

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    1. Thank you, thank you!!!!!! What a wonderful thing for the hospital to do and how wonderful of you as well. I love this.
      It is humbling isn't it? They want for so little to be happy. We should all remember that the next time we gripe about something.
      The simple things in life can be blessings!

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  7. This is a terrific blog post, Cheryl. My friend used to go to the nursing home and help residents eat their dinner because they couldn't fed themselves very well. She said the nurse and CNAs were too busy to do such personal care, but she was willing and able.

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    1. What a simple yet ever so kind effort. That is just too neat. I bet those seniors really appreciated that and enjoyed the company.
      We like to pretend we know our outcome in life - but we don't. It could be us.

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  8. Lovely post! Thanks for the ideas.
    Dh bought a big bag of cat food for the humane society donation yesterday. Will see what other ideas we can implement.

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    1. Thanks you. Thank you for supporting the humane society. I wish I could adopt them all!

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  9. These are excellent suggestions Cheryl. Money is tight at our house, so I've been knitting hats for charity.
    Be blessed,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. I love that. I wish I had that talent. What a wonderful gift they will be to someone.
      Blessings.

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    2. Being kind is something there just is not enough of in this world.

      Your ideas are wonderful examples of kindness.

      God bless.

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    3. You are so very correct. It costs nothing to be kind and we should be spreading kindness every where.
      Thank you. Blessings!

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