THE CARAVAN Volume 9, Issue 1, January 2010


KEEP THE SPIRIT

Well the holidays are over, the presents have been opened and the food has been eaten. Throughout the holiday season I noticed that whenever I met anyone there was generally a smile and a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays and then from the week between Christmas and the New Year I was greeted with another smile and was wished a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Now we are all back to work and still this week I noticed the smiles and people asking if I had a good holiday. All still with the holiday spirit in them. So here’s my wish for you all…

Let’s keep the spirit with us for the entire 2010 year.

We are now into a new decade and a time for us to let go of the past and celebrate the greatness of what we have. Lets:

Keep the smiles on our faces and the best wishes on our lips.

Take the time to do nice little things for others without wanting anything in return.

Continue to donate to the charities that we donated to at Christmas.

Hold more doors open and look at who is behind us as we pass through a door.

Take the time to let another car merge onto a busy street.

Slow down and look at the wonders around us.

Visit others more often and not wait for that one and only time of the year to get together for that drink.

Live in our hearts and in our minds the Christmas saying, “good will to all”.

Let go of any anger we may have toward others.

Give more and expect less.

Take that feeling of Christmas and keep it all year. If each and every one of us can just be a little nicer the ripple effect will be fantastic. You will see a difference in your life and the lives of others.

I wish you all love, peace and happiness in 2010 and beyond. And may you find it in your heart to take that extra little step to make your world a better place.

Ted



MOM’S TWO CENTS
By Jordin Williamson

KEEP CHRISTMAS WITH YOU ALL THROUGH THE YEAR

"…When Christmas is over, save some Christmas cheer. These precious moments hold them very dear. And keep Christmas with you, all through the year!"

I love that song and I love that message. I remember first hearing that song on Sesame Street when I was very young. The message is simple and true. As the holiday season approaches we get so excited. It is a time to be with family and friends, to eat great food and be surrounded by love.

So why does it have to end in January? Why don’t we keep the Christmas spirit through out the year? It isn’t difficult. It is actually easier to do something nice than it is to think of something negative. Spread the good spirit around to your family and friends and you will surely receive it back.

Teaching your children to be kind to others, to think of others in need and to perform random acts of kindness is so rewarding to both you and them. Invite another family over for dinner and have the kids help you prepare the meal. Pack up some meals for an elderly friend or family member and deliver it with a hug and a smile. Spend time with family that you normally don’t make time to visit. Randomly send happy, smiley “I’m thinking of you” cards to friends in the mail. Have the kids write thank you notes after someone does something nice for them or the family.

Spread the spirit of the holidays throughout the year and watch the love grow and hopefully you can keep Christmas with you all through the year!

Quote of the Month
Submitted by Brodi Mouradian

"What I do today is important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it."
- Unknown

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