Community becomes family during the holidays

‘Tis the season for giving and everyone is thinking about what they plan to do this year.

Thanksgiving and Christmas always were family events when I was growing up. My mother, who seemed to love to cook, always offered a bountiful table of food for any meal, but the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals were filled with even more delights than normal. There always was room for one more at our table. The tradition has continued to carry on throughout my family.

My family doesn’t always get together for the holidays. Some of us, me for one, don’t like to drive in holiday traffic and, if the truth be known, my niece and nephews probably relax when they realize they won’t have to rescue me after I’ve made a wrong turn and gone miles out of the way.

Many years, family members serving across the world with the military didn’t have the option to make it home for the holidays. Most of them have retired and as they say and are now “in country.” Surprisingly, for the first time in quite a while, most of the family are actually living in Missouri.

When we do get together, we have fun, eat and drink too much and catch up on each others’ lives.

Whether you are traveling, hosting or staying home by yourself or with a few friends, its your decision to make it a joyful holiday. Plan ahead to do something you enjoy. Invite a friend over for coffee and dessert or offer to take it to them.

If you are invited to share the holidays with someone and you are known for making a special dish, offer to bring it along.

Remember those who have to work on the holidays. You might want to drop off a special tray of goodies to the emergency workers at the medical center, police, fire and emergency medical services stations. Whether they have a quite day and/or night, the gift of you thinking about them will mean just as much as the treat.

Check with your church to see if they are planning an activity or taking food to others. You might want to contribute in some way.

If you are staying in town consider helping at the United Gospel Rescue Mission. Drop a dessert by, offer to deliver meals or help serve those who come to dine. I believe you will probably be the one receiving the biggest blessing.