Be an example for children to follow

We see people all around us, but we cannot see into their lives. We don’t know what they are going through or where their lives have taken them. The young cashier might be struggling to make ends meet; she may wonder how she is going to have enough food for her and her child much less how she will buy a Christmas present for her child.

The elderly woman walking slowly in front of us as we try to hurry through the store may not have anyone who ever comes to see about her. The middle-aged gentleman bringing product in to stock the store shelves may be worried about getting insurance for his family and being able to afford it.

When December comes around, most of us think about decorating the tree, getting the right presents for our family and friends and maybe doing something for someone who is less fortunate.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, let us show that love to others as we go along our way as we get ready for Christmas. As we try to juggle all we have to do, we sometimes think we don’t have time to give to anyone else but our families. But maybe, just maybe we could think of small ways and do them as we go about our daily lives that will show the love of Christmas.

Start small; think of how many small ways you can share the love and joy of Christmas with people you don’t even know. Consider times such as when you go out shopping, when going out to eat, when baking cookies and other good Christmas snacks. These ways don’t have to be big and expensive, just thoughtful. You might just help someone feel appreciated and brighten up their day.

The following are examples of ways you and your family members might spread a little Christmas love and care. See which ones might be a fit for you and your family. Add ideas of your own to the list; get the children to think of ways they can show kindness and love in the places they go. Spread the love and kindness together as a family. Letting your children see you doing for others and including them will instill in them the desire to do the same. It could become a family tradition that is passed on for years to come.

For example:

• If there is a bell ringer outside the store you are going into, buy them a hot chocolate

• Take food to our local food bank

• Buy some gum or mints for the person checking you out at the grocery store.

• Make cookies and share them with a neighbor.

• Buy some inexpensive gift certificates at a fast food restaurant and pass them out to various people as you go about your day.

• Go visit someone at a nursing home; ask who hasn’t had many visitors and spend time chatting with them.

• Visit the Veterans’ home and tell a veteran how much you appreciate his/her service.

• Go Christmas caroling at a shut-in’s home.

• Do a chore for a family member so they don’t have to do it.

• Make a card for grandparents; call them and tell them how much you love them.

• Tell everyone “Merry Christmas; Jesus loves you” as they pass by you in the store.

• Really listen to people when they try to talk to you.

• Pay for someone’s meal when catching a bite for lunch.

• Write a note to your child and tell him/ her how much she is loved by you.– It doesn’t have to be just at Christmas.

May the love of Christmas be lived out all year long through you.

Dianne Glasgow is a family and child specialist at the LSU AgCenter in Caddo Parish. She can be reached at dglasgow@agcenter.lsu.edu, 226-6805 or 464-2552.