Everywhere I go I’m bombarded with reminders that the
holiday season is in full swing. The warning signs came early this year
- I recall seeing a Christmas tree in a store window before autumn’s
first leaf had a chance to fall to the ground.

Each year, advertisements kindly remind us all how many shopping days
are left in the season, inciting panic in even the most seasoned
shoppers. Sometimes their message can be so powerful I find myself
thinking, “How am I going to find the perfect gift for (fill in name of
relative or friend)? There’s so little time.” Then a wave of relief
will wash over me, as I look at the calendar and realize it’s still
October. As I write this, it is Nov. 19 and the department store’s
countdown is running at a good clip, but by my own holiday clock, I
still have plenty of time.

In addition to feeling stressed, the holiday propaganda reminds us that
this is the time of year where anything can happen. People are kind and
generous to one another, wrapped up in the spirit of the holiday
season. Movies have shown us magic is possible during this time of year
and we believe if we are kind to others, good things will come our way.


This is the time of year when even sworn enemies can become friends.
Rifts between family members can be bridged with a little holiday
spirit. Forget February –  November and December mark the true
season of love, so if you love someone, now is the time to confess. If
you can’t come by these feelings naturally, there is always the chance
a specter will appear and lead you on a humbling journey through your
past, present and future.

Wouldn’t it be something if we approached everyday of every season with
anticipation for the unknown and a pledge to be kind to others? That
person who wrote, “I Wish Everyday Could be Like Christmas” may be on
to something. What if there was a way to capture the generosity that is
so prevalent during the holiday season and spread it out over the
course of a year?

Gathering with loved ones for the holidays leads many people to reflect
on their good fortune and strikes up a desire to give to others who may
not be so fortunate. There are ample opportunities to give to others
during the holidays, from dropping some money into the Salvation Army’s
red kettle to volunteering in a soup kitchen. There are also many food
and clothing drives that make donating to a good cause, as simple as
can be. Maybe you know someone who will be spending the holidays alone.
Why not invite them to your holiday meal?

Better yet, why not share a weekly meal with that person. Instead of
volunteering to help serve a holiday meal, why not serve breakfast at
your local soup kitchen throughout the year? When winter approaches, we
are reminded of the people who need warm clothes. Instead of waiting to
clean out our closets each fall, what if we donated clothing throughout
the year? After all, the need never goes away.

Too often, I tend to give in spurts. But, helping another person
doesn’t require a grand gesture or a lot of money. It can be a simple
act like holding a door open or checking on a neighbor. Who knows, you
might have made a difference in someone’s life today without even
realizing it. Maybe your kind act will start a chain reaction of good
deeds.

If you really think about it, there are a million ways to spread the
ole’ holiday cheer throughout the entire year. So resolve the fights
with family and friends today, make plans to embrace your sworn enemy
tomorrow, make a confession of your love everyday if you have to and do
something nice for at least one other person throughout the year.

The ghosts of the past and future may have good points, but there’s no better time than the present.

– Amanda Estes