Some thoughts on the upcoming holidays

By Judy Miller Gerard

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 | midnight

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly, 'tis the season to be jolly ..."

As I ponder this holiday season, a number of thoughts come forward — reminders of things we know but sometimes forget, and some ideas for far more creative gift giving. I respectfully share them for your thoughtful consideration.

• For some, this is the best, most joyful time of the year, as we spend time with family and friends. For others this is the most difficult time of the year, as they mourn the loss/absence of a loved one.
• Some of us are in good health and can maintain an active, productive lifestyle. Others of all ages are ill and have no hope of getting better.
• Some of us are OK financially, with our homes and jobs as secure as they are possible to be in these times. Others have lost their jobs, and their homes are lost or at risk.
• Some of us are surrounded by people who care about us. Others are alone, with no one to care for or about them.
• Some of us will be responsible in our use of alcohol and will help others do the same. Others won't, insisting on their "rights" and will be in danger of harming themselves and/or someone else.
• Some of us will need help, and be too proud to ask for it, even though it harms them and their loved ones to be without it. Others will seek and accept the help they need, because they understand that we all, at some point in our lives, need a helping hand.
• Some of us will be caught up in the belief that the value of a gift is determined by its dollar amount. Others will know the most valuable gifts we can give are the gifts of ourselves, our time and our love.

Some examples:

• A visit every week to someone you know who is grieving the loss of someone dear to them.
• Regular visits to someone you don't know in a care facility, who has no family or friends to visit them.
• A newsy letter or e-mail once a month to a lonely person.
• Share a game of checkers or dominoes with someone every week for six weeks.
• A thank you letter to a special person in your life, letting them know how much you appreciate them.
• A gift of a shared afternoon hike or bike ride.
• Offer to baby-sit for a young couple so they can afford an evening out.
• Go and read aloud to an avid reader who has lost his sight.
• Be a teacher's helper in the classroom.

I wish for all of us an excellent holiday season, in which we learn to spend less money, give more of ourselves and become more mindful of the needs of those around us with which we can help.

Judy Miller Gerard is a Henderson senior and can be reached c/o the Home News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074; by fax at 434-3527 or e-mail at [email protected].