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CARING AND /HARING DURING THE HOLIDAY /EATON by Irene Repczuk-D’Alessio Thanksgiving and Christmas are special times for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and joyful celebrations with loved ones. Yet there are many people, especially the elderly and infirm, those in hospitals or nursing homes, or the recently bereaved, for whom the holidays heighten a sense of loneliness and isolation. As we rush about with our own holiday preparations, finding the right turkey or choosing the “perfect” Christmas tree, we often lose sight of the needs of those who cannot celebrate Thanksgiv ing or Christmas with family, sometimes because they have no family at all. We can make our own holidays more meaningful by reaching out these people, whether they are our family members, members of the community we live in, or members of organizations to which we belong. There are many ways in which we can bring some cheer into a lonely person’s life. We don’t have to look far, and it doesn’t require much time. Take the time to reach out to a family member who is alienated from the rest of the family and invite him or her to your home for dinner. Be mindful that many people may be reluctant to accept your invita tion if they feel that your are doing it out of pity. Be sincere in your approach and show them that you care. Let them know that their presence at a holiday event will be welcome, meaningful, and special to others. There are also many opportunities for per forming acts of kindness in your community. Reach out to someone in your building or neighborhood or in a nursing home. If you cannot think of anyone, ask you church pastor or inquire at your local com munity center. Some suggestions for making the holidays special for someone who is alone follow: ■ Visit a shut-in, bring some baked goods or a holi day card, and take time to chat. If possible, bring children along, as they can be very uplifting. ■ Offer to shop for Christmas cards, stamps, or gifts. Children can help with addressing cards and wrapping gifts. ■ Bring a potted plant (chrysanthemums are a nice touch for Thanksgiving) or a poinsettia for Christ mas. ■ Bring (or help to decorate) a Christmas tree. ■ Bring a small gift that the shut-in or nursing home resident can use: toiletries, pretty socks or slip pers, costume jewelry, or calendars are inexpen sive ways to show you care. ■ Bring the gift of music. For Christmas, make sure this includes a “koliada,” even if you have to sing it yourself. ■ Offer to drive someone to see autumn leaves dur ing Thanksgiving or to church for Christmas Mass. ■ Invite an older person or couple to your home for your Thanksgiving dinner or “Sviata Vechera.” It can be a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about Ukrainian customs and traditions and can make your visitor feel valued and special. ■ Whenever possible, get your children involved in these activities. Showing that you care enough to do these things is a valuable lesson that teaches children about the joy of giving. The greatest gift you can give to an elderly, lonely person is the gift of your time, and this is what is most appreciated. No special talent is re quired, only the awareness of someone else’s needs and feelings, and the willingness to reach out to an other person. By bringing holiday cheer into some one else's life, we enrich our own lives. Sometimes, we receive unexpected benefits. Often, when you touch someone with kindness, that kindness is re paid by lasting friendship, good advice, or some other expression of caring. Finally, think about keeping the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas alive by continuing these acts of kindness throughout the year. What goes around, comes around, and giving of yourself usually means you receive something in return, even if it is only the satisfaction of knowing that you have done something kind and decent and human in a world that often is none of these. 18 “НАШ Е Ж ИТТЯ”, ЛИСТОПАД 2005 Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
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