{31 Days to a Stress-Free Christmas} Day 19~ Service Brings a Smile

One way that we keep things in perspective during the holidays is to do some sort of service project. There are many opportunities to give  not only money but time to those less fortunate. We have visited nursing homes to sing Christmas carols. We have collected items and filled shoe boxes to donate to Samaritans purse. I think that ringing a bell for the Salvation Army's kettle drive has made the biggest impression on Abi. Our church does this as a service project every year. We sign up for 2 hour stretches and it really becomes a sacrifice for a 6 year old to stand there for that long, especially if it is cold. I remind her, as she is getting tired and cold, that some of the money we are collecting will be used to help people pay their heating bills that winter. Giving back always helps my children become a little more grateful for what the Lord has blessed us with. Taking the focus off of my own needs and what I have to get done by focusing on someone less fortunate always reduces my stress levels. Start looking into what service project you will do during the month of December so you can contact any agencies in your area for details or days needed to serve.