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!

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!

# 4

On the 4th blog of Christmas AML posed to me:

Write short letters to 4 friends about why they’re special to you.

Want to make it even easier? Just make a list of 4 things you love about them.

Still struggling?! Here’s a sample:

1. I love the way you always look on the bright side.
2. You have a great laugh.
3. I know if I really need to talk, you’ll be there to listen.
4. You have a great sense of style.

Seriously, this is a simple task. Just take some time and think about it. You can mail it, or hand it to the person directly, but it should be handwritten, because it makes it that much more special.

The Christmas before I lost my dad I was 30 years old, and I wrote a list of 30 reasons I loved him. I got it printed on a nice paper and had it framed, and when I gave it to him he cried. It hung in his house until he passed, and now it hangs in mine. And I’ll always know he knew how much I loved him, because I told him. Get it now? 😉

Keep your eyes peeled for #3, coming up next!