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!

It’s finally Christmas Eve, you guys, and we’ve reached the final entry in the Twelve Blogs of Christmas. It’s been an exhausting season of long work hours plus parties and food and obligations and time management issues. I haven’t pulled out a single Christmas decoration. 2016 has been an emotional rollercoaster of a year and I’m ready for 2017 to swoop in. This last blog of Christmas may be the hardest one, but it’s by far the most important. I hope you take it to heart.

# 11

On the last blog of Christmas AML posed to me:

Tell one really important person in your life how much they mean to you.

This can be very difficult for me. I find verbalizing how I feel about people to be very difficult, and I won’t say I feel something unless I really mean it. (This makes buying greeting cards incredibly difficult.)

My suggestion is to make it someone that you might not see very often. A friend who pops up just when you need encouragement. Someone who may not be in the forefront but will always have your back.

I can’t tell you the best way to approach it, or if it’s best in letter, text, e-mail or in person. But I can tell you it needs to legitimately come from the heart, because ultimately, Christmas is the time of the heart: sharing time with loved ones and giving to those we care about.

People won’t remember what you did, or the presents you bought for them, but they will remember how you made them feel, so this Christmas, make them feel good.

Also, I’d like to wish my Jewish friends and readers a happy First Day of Hannukah!

May all be healthy and happy this holiday season. 🙂

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!!!

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!

# 3

On the 3rd blog of Christmas AML posed to me:

Bring three friends to a free event to share an experience with them.

Last week I had a day off and went into Philadelphia to check out the Christmas market with friends. It was so much fun checking out all the stalls and talking about all the awesome blown glass and ornaments and tasting locally made pickles.

It didn’t cost us a thing but spending quality time together was a great bonding experience!

Keep your eyes peeled for #2, coming up next!