It’s hard to believe, but to misquote a popular TV show and novel series: Christmas is coming.
Along with everything else that comes in December, there also tends to be an uptick in charity work.
Not that there’s a problem with that.
Anyone who’s been paying attention to the oil industry and its fallout wouldn’t be surprised to know that it’s going to be a hard holiday season this year for some people.
There’s a very large possibility that there’ll be more people who will need a bit more help this year and less people who are able to help, through no fault of their own.
There are quite a few charities in the Advocate region, some of who go into overdrive during the holiday season, like the Athabasca and Boyle Santa’s Anonymous.
Those are wonderful charities, but, to be honest, they’re not the only ways that someone can give back to the community — they’re just the most easily visible.
As Joyce Kern said in her challenge to readers on Page 19, there are lots that can be done to help other people and it doesn’t have to cost you very much, if it costs anything at all.
Shoveling walks or driveways, babysitting kids, volunteering to help build hampers — it really doesn’t take much to change help someone even just a little bit.
Like she said, “random acts of kindness.”
The holiday season is when everybody remembers that we’re supposed to be a little bit selfless. It’s the time of year where we remember that there are those less fortunate than we are that need a bit of a helping hand.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but, honestly, it doesn’t have to stick to one time of year. That’s kind of the best part.
This holiday season take a bit of extra time and help someone else — whether through the charities or through a small act of kindness. And try to remember to continue doing it for the rest of the year.
You’ve nothing to lose and so much to gain.
