T'is The Season.. for Small Steps

I started a relatively frivolous blog on costumes last night, but woke up thinking about something entirely different. Today is November 30. It's the day before the last 31 of 2012. Our lights are up; our tree goes into place sometime next week, after we finish repainting our living room - a little project we're giving to one another as a gift to ourselves. It's a fresh perspective on 2013. After all, T'is the season.

That also got me thinking about giving in other ways. This year, there are so many people who need help. Here at home in Colorado Springs, we still have friends displaced as lives are being rebuilt after the Waldo Canyon Fire. On the East Coast, friends are still struggling after Hurricane Sandy. People are out of work; so many are stretched thin just trying to pay bills. It's been a tough year. 

Since I can't solve everyone's problems, or wave a wand to bring world peace and end hunger, as 2012 winds down I've decided to go back to basics. Like Neil Armstrong said, "One small step for man; one giant leap.." you know the rest. Rather than be overwhelmed by all I can't do, I'm looking at what small steps I can. Here are my suggestions. I'm sure you can devise a list of your own. But no matter what you do, choose to do something.

•  Drop your change in a bell ringer bucket each time you go to the store. Pennies add up to meals for those who need them. 
• Send a real Holiday card through the mail. In this time of cyber cards, you'll probably surprise the heck out of the person who receives it. 
• Take the time to make a gift, no matter how small or how simple. 
• Bring canned goods to a food bank. 
• Clean a closet and donate coats and sweaters to places like Goodwill or a local shelter. 
• Donate your old cell phone to a home for battered wives. 
• Go see a live theater presentation; visit a museum; attend a concert. Support the arts. 
• Take the time to say "Thank You." They are the two most meaningful words in the English language.
• Hold someone's hand.
• Encourage someone's heart.

Open your eyes; open your arms; give your time. Because by doing that, you're giving the greatest gift anyone could receive - caring. No wrapping paper or ribbon necessary. It's the gift that keeps on giving, and that is truly priceless.