Hey all! This holiday season I’m going to do twelve blogs that will focus on the true spirit of Christmas, giving, while still embodying the true spirit of A Measured Life: maximum results for minimum cash. This series is going to feature twelve ways you can bring joy to others this holiday season even if you don’t have a lot to spend. I hope you find this series fun and inspirational and try some of the tasks I’ve set out for you. They’re easy, honest!

I’ll be counting down from twelve and ending with one on Christmas Eve. Spread the joy along with me!

# 2

On the 2nd blog of Christmas AML posed to me:

Strike up a nice conversation with two strangers.

It doesn’t have to be a life changing experience. It just has to be a conversation. Listen for their verbal cues. Ask about their kids/grandkids if they mention them. Crack a joke to get them to smile or laugh. Unsure of how to begin? There’s a fabulous article on ideas.ted.com called How to Talk to Strangers. Here’s an excerpt:

mix in phatic observations — the kind that mean little overtly but speak of social acknowledgment — in place of greetings, things like “Cute dog,” “I like your hat,” or “Cold out today!” These acts of noticing pierce the veil of anonymity and create momentary social space.

One of the things I’ve been working on the last few years is TELLING people when I like something about them, like something they’re wearing or if they have a nice smile. It’s intimidating and sometimes scary but no one has ever been rude about it, and I’m sure I’ve put a smile on someone’s face.

Sometimes you can even help someone! I was checking out at the grocery store and the man behind me had purchased a very large turkey. He happened to mention he was going to brine it but he had no idea how because it was too big for any pots he owned. I remembered hearing about brining a turkey in an insulated cooler because it was big enough and easy to drain. He must have thanked me three or four times for the idea. So don’t be afraid to chat with people if they strike up a conversation with YOU, either, even if it’s scary or  awkward. 🙂

Keep your eyes peeled for THE FINAL BLOG OF CHRISTMAS!!!