A Special Holiday Challenge For All

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans &  Write W.A.V.E. Media                                                                                                                              

Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

If you are reading this, this message must be for you. If you do not celebrate any winter holidays, please read on anyway. I believe that people experience everything for a reason. Because you found this, you must be meant to read this special holiday challenge.

This time of year can be a special time for everyone, not just those who believe in the birth of a higher power. There are many holidays to celebrate in the winter. Even if you celebrate no holidays, you can still get in the joyous mood this season often brings.

The winter holiday season is not about how much you can receive. It's about how much you can give. Everyone knows someone who needs something. The best gift is not always of value in money. However, some might be.

Maybe someone you know is in need of a home. Are you willing to share yours? Perhaps your financial position would even permit you to help them purchase a home or even to pay rent for a few months while they get on their feet.

Maybe you know someone who may not eat this holiday season. Are you willing to open up your home to them and allow them to dine with your family, expecting nothing in return?

Are you willing to give someone a gift that truly means the world to them? Will you do so even if it inconveniences you in some way?

If you have no money to spend, it doesn't mean you have nothing to offer. Offer to clean someone's home, offer a hug, or even a free night of babysitting.

Visit a shelter and volunteer to help serve food to the less fortunate, even if you yourself are one of the unfortunate ones who cannot afford to eat.

The value of a gift is not in the money spent on it, but in the thought put into it. Will the gifts you give mean something more than just dollars spent?

There may be someone in a hospice, hospital bed, or nursing home that would give the world just to have a visitor and a hug on their favorite holiday. Could you be that person?

What if someone you know has nothing to give or offer to you? Will you still do something for them?

Your challenge this holiday season is to give thanks for what you have, even if it isn't much and to give of yourself freely, expecting nothing in return. Will you do it or will you ignore this message?

Also, remember that even though holidays will pass, there's always room for giving every day of the year.

Let us know in the comments below what you plan to do to help someone.

Note: This is an older piece I originally published via Yahoo Contributor Network. However, the message will still apply.