Christmas Traditions and Giving

This will be a year that stays in our memory banks.    So much is different and yet many traditions stay the same.  Giving gifts is a wonderful part of Christams and this year there are so many in need.

Traditions

What are the traditions you are planning to maintain this holiday season?     What about starting some new traditions?  If you google holiday traditions you can see things that are done around the world.   Ophr posted a list of 30 traditions you can start this Chirstmas.  See her list here.  How many of Ophra’s list are already part of your traditions?   Is there a new Christmas tradition you’d like to start?

Many traditions are passed down from generation to generation.    Many families decorate a Christmas tree, bake cookies and make their holiday candy which at our house is peanut brittle.

Giving

Gifts for those you love may take on a different focus this year given social distancing.  But giving is really what Christmas is all about.    What are the non profits that are special in your heart that you can give to.    Do you want to volunteer for a non profit or give gifts to local holiday gift drives.   Here are a few to consider:

• Toys for Tots.  TwinCities link for locations.  The Pillars of Prospect Park is one senior living that is a drop off site until Dec. 15.
• Another great place to donate needed items is our local NAMIMN.org.  They are collecting gifts for those institionalized with mental health issues.  See that information here
• Check with your senior center to see if they are doing gift drives for seniors.  Some of these have already closed receiving gifts
• Food Shelters are in need of donations see  foodpantries.org