Traditions of the Heart-Giving  Christmas StrawPlace straw in a basket beside an empty cradle. Each time a family member does a kind or thoughtful act, they can place a piece of straw in the cradle. On Christmas eve wrap a baby doll in swaddling clothing and lay on top of the hay. Struggling FamilyTake a basket of gifts to a struggling family. Include food, toys, decorations and clothing. ErrandsRun errands for a home-bound person. CarolingSing carols at a nursing home-get permission first. Volunteer at a Soup KitchenDecoratingHelp elderly or disabled person decorate their home. GiftsCall and ask nursing home or orphanage for a list of residents who normally don't receive gifts and gift ideas. I do not sign my name to the tag so the resident can assume it is from anyone he/she knows. Pick names from a gift-wish tree.Cookies and candiesCook extra batch and give to-elderly friend, police, disabled friend, fire department, postman, etc. Collect hats, gloves, and scarves for a shelter.Assist with "Toys for Tots"Give gifts to missionaries.Volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation ArmySend gifts to overseas service peopleStationery, stamps, pens, playing cards and crossword books. Holiday decorationsTake someone who doesn't drive to see the Holiday decorations around town. Baby-sitVolunteer to baby-sit for a single mom so she can go Christmas shopping. Story tapesHave kids make cassette tapes of them reading. Give to a visually impaired person. Food bankBuy two extra cans of food when you go shopping. Donate to the food bank. Parents in PrisonCall your local jail and see if they have a gift program for the families of prisoners. If not, ask if you may donate toys, mittens, coloring books, etc. So the prisoners have gifts to give to their family Remeber a Widow"Last year my friend Barb 38 had lost her dh. She is really prone to depression. For Christmas a group of friends gave her 12 presents, on each one I made sure there was a note about what her friendship meant to us or something special about her. We told her to open just one everyday. Notes in a bottle is another good one." from Linda © Lady PP's Heart of the Home  Please post your ideas for Christmas on the Holiday Message Board  Thank-you to J. S. Magic for the graphics
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