by Malena Lott

I’ll admit, I get a little blue around the holidays, even though I’m an absolute FANATIC about Christmas. Most of my friends, even my much older friends, still have living parents so the childhood traditions are still kept intact. Memories are shared, photos taken and loved ones come in from near and far to get the in-person hugs and kisses.

I’m fortunate to have loving in-laws and wonderful sisters who still want to create our own celebrations even though our grandparents who raised us have passed on. I also concentrate on making special traditions for my children, which provides a lot of happiness. But am I still sad at times? You bet. So just imagine how people who have no family might feel? Those that are disenfranchised, who have just lost their jobs, or had to move to new cities and won’t be able to travel back home this Christmas?

Today I’d like for us to think about what we could do to pass on some cheer to others this year. If you know someone who has lost a loved one this year (or even in the past few years) or could be hurting, what could you to do reach out to them?

Our club is about celebrating friendships and stories, so let’s make those stories happier ones for those who are in pain this time of year. If you have some ideas on how we as individuals could do that, I’d love to hear about them in our comments.

Starter ideas:
Bake & deliver them cookies with a nice note
Take them out for coffee and looking at lights
Invite them to church with you
Invite them to your holiday dinner & ask them to share memories with their loved ones who have passed
Offer to help them do their holiday shopping

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