By Roxana Spirlock, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
We are at the time of year again where everywhere we go, we see people focused on the art of giving and also the prominent materialism that is now a hallmark of the holidays. This time of year, I always find myself reflecting on my childhood; warm cookies and hot chocolate. The excitement of a snowfall out weighted the excitement of presents. Mom would wake me up in the middle of the night if snow had fallen so we could go outside to throw snowballs, make snowmen and wake up the neighbors with our silliness.
Now, I reflect that although life is not perfect, mine is not too bad. Where has the appreciation for the small things gone? Hearing your kids laugh and something funny, joking with them about the smallest of things, enjoying seeing happiness in others eyes. In our modern society the acts of kindness amongst strangers are becoming a rarity instead of the norm. I was a big box store last week when I witnessed an older lady ask a stranger for help placing her dogfood in the car, to my surprise he said no! When I started walking over to help her the man returned. Was it guilt? Was it embarrassment? Or was it the holiday season that got to him? Regardless, it’s the right thing to do no matter the time of year.
The holidays may only last a few weeks a year but I am going to try to embrace the spirit all year. Perhaps my relationships would be stronger, families would be closer, and I will spend more time with my true friends, not just the ones that like your posts on social media. Let’s all try to be kind more often. It will not only make a difference in the lives you touch, but also in your own. Remember the old adage, “It is better to give than receive.” True words, indeed! Merry Belated Christmas and may your New Year be full of giving and blessings!
