Good Morning, everyone. Happy December!

Whew, we have almost made it through the year. Something about December always makes me smile. I remember things a little bit clearer this time of year. Things like my grandma playing the piano, my childhood Christmas tree, my parent’s faces, and all the sights and smells of the season. These recollections don’t make me sad, rather they remind me that I am loved and that love transcends time and space. 

As the song goes, “ We need a little Christmas. Right this very minute!” Many of us know someone who needs some Christmas magic. In fact, you may need it yourself. So what should we do? 

When I was about eight years old I had the serious “ Is Santa Claus real?” chat with my dad. I was half hoping he would reassure me that Santa was real and half knowing I would be getting the dreadful truth that mom and dad were behind it all. My dad did not flat out say he was Santa Claus. He told me the story of St. Nicholas and how much he helped people, especially children, in his lifetime and how he still works through people today. Then told me that now that I knew the whole story I could help spread Christmas joy to others. I felt as if I had been let in on a great secret and handed a special mission. Many times I have forgotten that I am Santa over the years but then a year like 2020 comes along and reminds me of my mission.

So, who’s ready to be Santa to the world? There are so many ways to bring joy to each other this time of year. Of course, for those of us who are able, there are many charities that are desperate for donations. There are causes like St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or the Make a Wish Foundation. On the more playful side, who doesn’t like getting a free cup of coffee from a stranger who decides to pay it forward at Starbucks? These are all great ways to play Santa and maybe you can choose one or several of these to spread joy this season.

 Luckily, being Santa doesn’t mean you have to spend money you don’t have. You can be the biggest gift of all. Making time to reach out to loved ones, a smile or kind word to a stranger, baking holiday cookies for neighbors, giving  encouraging words to someone who is going through a rough time, creating new traditions with family such as family game night,  making gingerbread houses, or a family sing along.

Yep, you giving your time with love can be the biggest gift of all.

As always, I would love to hear from you. Are you up to being Santa for someone this year? What ideas do you have to spread a little joy this season?

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Until next time,

Laura