The Christmas Spirit Is In Action

I adore the Christmas Spirit which comes during the holiday season!  It warms my heart when people are nicer, more thoughtful and loving.  I appreciate the extra kindness that arrives when generosity of spirit reigns.  How I wish we would continue the spirit of Christmas throughout the year!

Being kind doesn’t require anything spectacular.  It is simply being aware of those around us and being thoughtful of how others may be feeling.  There are many lonely souls who are quietly experiencing Christmas alone.  Neighbors, friends and even those who are in old age homes.  It doesn’t take much to reach out in a friendly manner to let them know that they are being thought of at Christmas.

A small card can make a difference, especially to those who have Alzheimer’s.  Even though they may not fully be aware that Christmas is upon us, to receive a card makes all the difference in the world.  I know that from experience.

Yesterday I brought cards to the Alzheimer’s home where my loved one resides.  As I am a frequent visitor, I bought a pack of Christmas cards and made one out for each of them.  It was a simple heartfelt gesture on my part, but the result made my heartlight grow tremendously.

As each lady received her card, she smiled.  While they recognize me, they do not remember my name, but they know I belong to my loved one who is one of their friends.  I had brought extra in case I had inadvertently forgotten someone and I was glad I did.  I ended up making a few extra cards right there when I realized I was to deliver a card to a lady who was seated with two others whom I really didn’t know and I wasn’t sure if they were aware.  But sure enough, they were.

Quickly, I went back and wrote the cards for the other two ladies and then delivered them.  I smiled and as I handed the newly written card to one woman in particular, her chin wobbled.  “I hope you didn’t think I’d forgotten you!  Here’s your Christmas card!  Merry Christmas!” I cheerily said to her.  She smiled at me and I walked back to my loved one’s table.

A few minutes later, this particular lady appeared, having summoned one of the workers to bring her to “that lady who gave her the card.”  As she sat in her wheelchair she was teary and said, “Thank you.  This was the nicest card ever.  It means a lot that you thought of me.”  That moment of a small action on my part touched her and it meant the world to me.  I reached out to hug her and I got teary too.

While some may think that just because those with Alzheimer’s don’t remember a lot, it doesn’t mean that a kind gesture doesn’t touch their hearts.  While I am not naive enough to think that those cards may not make it back to their rooms to sit on their dressers, it’s that moment that counts.  That moment of Christmas spirit, connection and as a result of a small action, ties two hearts in harmony.

So if you’re contemplating sending a small batch of cookies to an elderly neighbor or sending a card to someone, my advice is to do it.  There’s nothing like the magic of Christmas to make this world a better place.

Shine your heartlights my friends.  Together our lights ignite the sparkle that grows the Christmas and Hanukah spirit!

Shine On!

xo