20/12/2021
Day 20: Let's talk about the joy of giving. Seeing the happiness on others' faces makes you feel good and brings you closer to people. I can't remember where I first heard this, but I once heard, if you want something, help others to have it so you can have it too. In fact, in the process of helping others, you figure out how to help yourself. So how can you help others to have a peaceful and merry Christmas?
As slowly over time the celebration of Christmas has moved in a more superficial direction, somehow the real values and emotions are less present. To bring these back, I thought I'd give you some ideas, or rather try to draw your attention to this matter so if you like you can come up with your own.
๐ Perhaps you can spend more quality time and connect more deeply with your close family if you consciously cut down on the energy you spend on preparing the perfect Christmas menu, decorating and finding expensive gifts.
๐ Maybe you can look around at your extended family and friends to see who's lonely, who would benefit from being invited over to your house and celebrate in good company.
๐ If you've had a disagreement with someone in the past, or recently, or if you've just grown distant and no longer keep in touch, you could perhaps delight them with a message or a postcard.
๐ Maybe you could volunteer somewhere that helps people in need, animals, or just take a walk around town and have a nice word or two with people you see on the street. You can always ask them what you can do to help.
๐ Or you could choose a charity, a good cause and donate some money or clothes and items you no longer use.
These are just options, you know what you can do willingly and easily.
And if you feel you can't give because you need help more, dare to ask. If you keep your eyes open and communicate what you need, it's much easier for others to hear you and help you.