I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping online this year, so the poor UPS and Fed-Ex guys have been making fairly regular stops.
Not as many stops as they would have made in the past though, because we have cut our shopping way down this year. My sisters and I decided a few years back to forego shopping for each other and instead donate our gift money to a family in need. It has been such a blessing to us, and we hope a blessing for the family, as well.
We decided to give our kids one practical gift, so that didn’t take long.
The area I really cut back was for our little granddaughters. This year, I decided to follow a plan I read about somewhere: 1 thing they need, 1 thing they want, 1 thing to wear, and 1 thing to read. This seemed like a great idea to me, and I have tried to stick with it.
Less shopping to do has left me with more energy to consider being kind to others in a more random way.
Last year, I participated in 12 Acts of Kindness, and it was soooo fun. However, the day I was planning to write my post about it didn’t turn out the way I had planned. Actually, it was the day of the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook. How unbelievably sad.
Since I really enjoyed completing the 12 Acts, this year I was going to go all out and do one Act of Kindness for each year I have been alive.
Girls, that is a number larger than 39, and after thinking about it awhile, I realized this was a task more suited for a year than a few days!
All of this had me waffling around trying to decide exactly what I wanted to do. When I learned about the 12 Acts of Kindness postcards by Blue Mountain, I was inspired to quit thinking and over planning and just get busy being nice.
Each postcard has an easy-to-complete suggestion. I did some of those ideas and I’m letting the cards serve as inspiration for some random acts of my own which I will complete before Christmas.
Want to join me? Let’s let all our little random acts turn into a gigantic snowball of kindness that can do some damage on the nastiness in this world.
If you are doing something similar, I would love to hear about it! Please share in the comments and inspire me and others. xoxo
I love what you and your sisters do in place of giving each other gifts. We are not doing any official random acts but just trying to be more aware to make a difference when and where we can. (Our UPS driver came late afternoon a few days ago and told me good morning and when I grinned he said, uh afternoon. They must be so exhausted!)
As a rural mail carrier I can tell you we deliver a lot of the parcels from UPS, Fed-Ex and Speedy. Why? Because we go where they won't six days a week. 🙂 Just a little "fun fact" for you.
What a wonderful thing you and your sisters are doing instead of exchanging gifts!
How wonderful for you and your sisters to give to a family in need! I am sure the family is blessed as are you and your sisters 🙂 Also, I love what you do for your granddaughters – fabulous idea! I may try that next year for my nieces and nephews. We have tried to cut our spending as well, but it can be hard this time of year.
Blessings to you! And big hugs 🙂
Hi Susan! I like the fact that you are trying to rein in the commercial stuff in Christmas. That's a great idea. Helping out those less fortunate than us is what we are all called to do. I think Jesus is smiling at you and your sisters 🙂 (me too!)
We cut back quite a bit this year too. Who needs more stuff?
That photo of the white branches against the blue sky is GORGEOUS. It almost doesn't look real, its so striking. I love it.
Have a blessed weekend!
Ceil
Hi Susan, I love the idea of having a plan for RAKs for Christmas – and as an ongoing thing for the year. I definitely will do this.
I certainly do a similar thing with gifts for my 4 kids – something to read, something to craft and something they wanted and then something they need. I think it makes for some meaningful (and useful)gift giving. Blessings to you and your family. Sherylee.
Hi Susan,
This is such a lovely idea and I will definitely do it.
We have done the something similar to what you and your sister do and it truly brings home the meaning of Christmas.
Enjoy your holidays!
Hi Susan,
I've included a link to your blog on my Christmas post. Hope that's ok. xo
I like your concept for the grandchildren!
Brett
Dear Susan,
I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I think what you and your sister's have opted to do this Christmas is precious!
I love the idea of the kindness, as I also want to have a plan in place for special fellowship this new year.
It has been a pleasure getting ready for this season, as I have refused to be stressed out and to do what I can and take pleasure in it! And I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed getting to know you over this last year. We are all connected because He orders our steps,
Yours, Roxy Big Hug !!
I've cut out gifts for everyone but immediate family and my farm sitter and her family. We all have our needs met and it's time to pass along the blessings.
Every time I leave the farm, I can't come home until I've given one compliment or done something nice for someone else.