As we move from the Thanksgiving season to the New Year, we note that the pace picks up considerably.  There is much scurrying about amid the beckoning of the commercial savants who aspire to turn a generous profit during the holidays.  

Shopping reaches a peak during this time of the year.  Parents shop for kids.  Kids shop for parents.   Executives purchase gifts for employees, and pupils shop for their teachers.

At this time of the year, the greatest gifts are those which find their way to those less fortunate.  All altruistic charities should be given the highest marks for trying to make the holidays memorable for those who need a lift materially and in spirit.

Then there are special programs such as drives to collect coats for those without.  More than likely, you have a couple of coats collecting dust in your closet.  You could make someone smile by cleaning them up and putting them into a charity bin to be distributed to people who could stay warm from your charitable sensitivity.

For most of us, it is difficult to think that there are those who don’t have a meal confirmed for Christmas Day.  Sadly, that sometimes is the case with many families.  

The local food bank works diligently to see that the needs of so many families are covered during the holidays.  This organization works to make sure children don’t go hungry—especially during the holiday season.

Grocery chains do their part in supporting various charities.  Then there are individuals who make annual contributions.   If you don’t have a favorite charity, there are plenty to choose from.

Churches are sensitive to the needs of a community.   They do their part to make sure that many families enjoy a “Merry Christmas.”  With inflation and other challenges to contend with, it is getting harder for these organizations to meet their goals.

Nonetheless they soldier on and redouble their efforts to serve the most pressing need in our communities—full stomachs and happy holidays for needy families.   Especially those who have young kids who know what it is like to go to bed hungry at night.

Almost every Christmas, I recall the first day of school after the holidays.  The teacher thought it would be interesting to let all the kids tell their classmates what they got for Christmas.

Naturally, the affluent kids had the most impressive list to recite, which always brought about frustration.  Fortunately, I was in the middle. I had a couple of items to boast about but it was always painful when the kids whose Christmas was limited always underscored that they got “lots and lots of fruit”.

The banker’s daughter had the most impressive list and so did the kids of the leading businessmen in town.  Why did the teachers not have the foresight to have each kid identify the one special gift they received from Santa?   

“Toys for Tots” has been great for the kids of our communities through the years.   The Salvation Army has worked to fill so many voids.  As you make plans for the holidays, give your family priority and remember to provide an assist for the churches and organizations that reach out to the many in need.

At Christmas, I always appreciate that old poem which you hear from time to time:

Christmas is coming,

The geese are getting fat,

Please put a penny in my old felt hat,

If you don’t have a penny, a half-penny will do,

If you don’t have a half-penny, God bless you.

Be a cheerful giver this holiday season.  Smile as you move about and make somebody else smile during the forthcoming holiday season by extending a helping hand.