Just a couple more sleeps until Christmas. Before the chaos of the weekend begins, I hope you can take a moment to sip your coffee and enjoy this post. We all have so many things to be thankful for, most notably that we are safe and warm. I’m grateful that my biggest worries are making sure our lists are crossed off, ingredients for the menu have been purchased and presents wrapped. Remember as we head into this holiday week that memories made with loved ones are the most precious gift. I hope we can all set aside our differences and experience the joy of the season.

Do you make a conscious effort every holiday season (and hopefully throughout the year) to be giving? We usually adopt a family every year. This year my friends and I split up between multiple families. We were able to help more people this way. I was very excited to have the ability to donate 60 of my books this year between a local elementary school and a book drive for LeadtoReadKC. However, I’ve always admired my in-laws’ tradition. Every year they ask us to name a charity that means something to us, and they donate in our name. We sit around the table at Christmas and open a thoughtfully written card by my mother-in-law. Each card describes who they donated to and why. Maybe someday we can carry on that tradition—or perhaps it sparked an idea for a tradition that you can start! Until then, I’ve started a little giving tradition of my own. For the past couple of years, I have invited my friends to join me in making and distributing homeless packs. This year was made even more special because I had my kids help me. Simply, I explained why we were making the packs and how they help people. I truly believe you can never start introducing the giving spirit too early. They loved being a part of something and feeling so helpful.

I’ve listed the items we put in our homeless packs below. We keep them in our car and pass them out as we see people in need.

What you need for 10 packs (10 of each item listed):

• Large plastic bags

• Snack-size plastic bags (to put band-aids and dental care items in)

• Assorted snacks that won’t spoil and try not to include things that will melt (granola bars, apple sauce, tuna packs, beef sticks, chips/bags of cookies or crackers)

• Bottled water

• Dental floss

• Bandages

• Tissues

• Toothpaste and Toothbrush

• Pair of socks

• Hand sanitizer

• Pair of gloves

It hasn’t been easy for everyone recently. There are lots of families feeling the strain of rising prices and inflation. But for those of you who are able, help by donating your time, money, or gently used items to those in need—especially this time of year. Kindness makes everything shine brighter. So, go be the light to someone’s day even if that just means taking your neighbor a tray of cookies.

What giving traditions do you do with your family? If it isn’t a part of your holiday tradition, is there something you could start this year?

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and as always, happy reading.