- Volunteer to come a few days prior to the big day to help cook, clean and/or wrap gifts. If your mother (or grandmother) is getting older, she may want to keep up the tradition, but could exhaust herself in the process. I am sure she will welcome your assistance.
- Offer to watch children for someone who always has kids in tow. Mothers with preschoolers (or homeschoolers) often struggle to get surprise gifts for their own children. Depending on the ages of the children, consider baking cookies, watching a Christmas DVD and/or making ornaments for a couple of hours while Mom power shops!
- Bake sugar cookies or gingerbread men for a family that has been overwhelmed by a medical (or other) situation. Deliver baked goods with a tub of icing and some sprinkles. (Available in the Target One Spot or the Dollar Tree.) You'll be providing a great memory and possibly the opportunity for the family to keep up a tradition that may otherwise have to be skipped this Christmas.
- Offer to shop for someone who does not drive, lives far from the store or is just overwhelmed.
- Ask if someone needs help wrapping gifts. Schedule a date and time. Show up with a Christmas DVD and some coffee or hot chocolate. Catch up with your friend or relative while covering a mountain of packages in colorful paper.
Ironically, when I take time to help someone else, I become less stressed. I can focus on the big stuff (like cooking the turkey), and feel less guilty if there are dust bunnies behind my kid's dresser.
Prayerfully consider how you can lend a helping hand this Christmas.
