We're making our lists and checking them twice, but have we included....

Christmas is approaching rapidly. We have made lists of the "stuff" we want to get for Mom and Dad, Brother and Sister, Children and other family members. But have we got tunnel vision and are only doing extreme Christmas for people who are close to us? How many of us have stopped and thought about the people who don't have homes, jobs, families, or even access to a hot meal?

I have cut back on the expensive and unnecessary gifts to people who really measure Christmas by the amount spent on their Christmas gift. I make gifts for many of my friends and family and the money that is saved from making the gifts goes towards buying blankets, toys and food for people less fortunate. While I realize that most of us really don't have the tons of funds to buy things for people we don't know, we could still afford a buck or two to get food for the local food banks. Maybe we have a blanket in the closet that we aren't using but someone who is homeless could really use a better blanket. Or how about the old coats that don't fit us anymore that might provide warmth for someone who doesn't have a coat?

We are celebrating the birth of a special man, who didn't look for gifts and "stuff" but he was a very giving and caring man; who spent his life trying to teach others caring for their fellow man. He gave the ultimate gift, his life, for mankind. Our celebrating his birthday isn't a day to "rake in the loot", but to help and love our fellow man. I never cease to be amazed at the greediness of some of the people around me and how they make lists of what they want and expect the lists to be filled and each and every item should be wrapped beautifully and placed under the Christmas tree. If they don't get everything they want, they raise a fit that rivals a hurricane and tornado together. are we all headed that way? Or are we realizing that others need help too...