Some things are so inspiring that when you go back and reread them, you just want to post them the following year. This journal I wrote for 2010 can't get any better. So without further ado, here's my Christmas Wish List for 2011...
Step 1
Make a post in your journal containing your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple to really big. The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.
If you wish for real-life things, make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where folks could get in touch with you.
Step 2
Surf around other lists to see who has posted their list. If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream for free--do it. You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call. There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.
Step 3
My Christmas List (In no particular order):
1. Reach out to your family for the holidays. If there is someone you haven't spoken to for a long time, try to contact them. Remember, even if it doesn't succeed, you will be blessed for the effort. You tried and it means SUCCESS for you!
2. Find someone in your area who needs a helping hand, and spend an hour or two with them, maybe helping them move something or giving them a moment of peace by watching their kids for an hour. If it's an older person, maybe just drop by with a few pieces of fruit or ask them if you can help them to the store or help them do things around the house.
3. Take a moment to spend some time with God, Nature, or your "Higher Power." Maybe find a forest preserve or a park to walk through in quiet. Leave some bread or seed for the local wildlife, too.
4. Bring some food to the animal shelter in your area. Maybe even take a moment to go pet the animals there. Maybe you can't find them a home, but you might take a moment to make their "temporary home" a little more cheerful by your presence.
5. Do a drawing, poem, song, or any piece of artwork here on FA for someone you don't know. Tell them it's from "Santa."
6. Say some prayers for a few people on FA who are always feeling blue and unloved. Or keep them in your thoughts for a day or two. Maybe even post them a shout, wishing them a happy holiday. Consider doing it for someone you don't even know.
7. Leave a small Kris Kringle goodie pack at someone's home, anonymously. It can be anything from kitchen utensils to food or candy. Something to cheer someone up.
8. The next time you ride a subway, or a bus, or pay for a toll in your car, give to the person behind you a free ride: pay his toll, or even help them with their change in the cashier line at the supermarket. Wish them a happy holiday!
9. Take a moment to pray for those who are out of work or may be losing their jobs. In this economy, everyone is hurting. If you can help anyone, a smile, a hug, or a moment to let that person vent may be the best holiday gift they will receive. And if you need a prayer, let me know. It's nice to know that someone cares.
10. For me and my husband, muscle-wolf, we wish for good health, great furry friends and a large "furry" family, blessings for our son Weasel on FA, and all our "sons" and "daughters," "nieces and nephews."
God Bless you all this Holiday Season! And... Merry Kris-MOOSE!
Santa Moosie Dineegla (Moo! Moo! Moo!) (My version of Ho! Ho! Ho!)
