Year of Kindness and Gratitude: Advent Season

Take a deep breath, settle into the season, and get ready to pay attention to the small moments that make this time of year so meaningful!

Over the course of the holiday season, take time to make life less complicated. Below are some ideas adapted from Dr. Frank Crane, a columnist for the Boston Globe. The article was published way back in 1921, but the message still seems relevant!

• Spend a quiet half hour, all by yourself, to relax. During this half hour, talk with God to get a better perspective on life.

• Tell your loved ones you love them.

• Spend time with an elderly family member or friend.

• Thank someone who made a difference in your life.

A few more ideas from an article titled 9 Powerful and Practical Ways to Celebrate Advent This Year by Julia Morgensai at Ascension Press, published on December 10th, 2021.

• Use Christmas cards as prayer reminders. As Christmas cards arrive, place them in a basket in a visible area. Once a day, pull out one card and pray for that person or family. You can write the person a note signed by your family or send them a text that says, “We prayed for you today.”

• Buy a stack of holiday cards and take a little time each evening to write a note of encouragement and gratitude to the people in your life. Include in this list both the people you know are struggling and those who seem to be doing just fine.

• Reach out to someone who is lonely in your neighborhood, your church or extended family. Invite them to coffee, drop off some cookies or have a phone conversation. A simple connection that can be so meaningful!