Carrying Christmas Over

I traditionally leave our Christmas tree up until at least the first weekend of the new year while gradually taking the decorations off on the days leading up to packing it away. No hurry here. I like to think of Christmas decorations as also winter/holiday decorations. Why not let the season linger?

Last December I mentioned in my blog an idea of celebrating the spirit of Christmas year-round as a way to carry over not only the trappings but the goodwill and generosity of the season. Why not continue the idea of sharing and caring for one another throughout the year with special emphasis on the 25th of each month as a reminder? "The least of these," as Jesus called those who are down, disadvantaged or discouraged, need support every day not just during the holidays. Even though 2014 turned out to be a year I devoted to a different "cause," I'm re-proposing a year of giving and hope to help keep the idea alive in 2015.

Generosity should be a way of life. Giving should be as natural as breathing. Not just money, but other resources like time, effort, a joyful attitude and especially a heart willing to love others, not condemn and judge them. Many people do live day-to-day with an attitude of generosity and they act on their better impulses. Many others would like to be able to give more, but time and money can be in short supply when our lives are often busy with our own families and obligations. Let's find ways to work around our limitations and spread generosity out over the course of the year.

Many of the elderly with no family near would enjoy a visit at least once a month. People who are lonely need to feel connected to someone. Local food pantries too often have shelves which are nearly bare. Many young families are struggling to get by and would be grateful for diapers or help with the electric bill or gas money for getting back and forth to work or school. Some people live in houses which are in need of repair and they lack the funds or know-how to fix what’s wrong. You get the idea.

So, why not start a new tradition of marking the 25th day of each month as a day to do something extra-nice for someone, to volunteer somewhere or otherwise make a real effort to have a positive impact on the community? Doesn’t it seem like the kind of idea which is in line with the message Jesus came to proclaim? Let's carry the spirit of new birth with us all year long, wherever we go, whatever we do.