Let's do our part and share a Merry Christmas

On Christmas Day, where will you be? What will you do? 

Some of us will stay home. Others will travel.  

Some will make the rounds to visit family and friends. Others will be alone. 

Some will watch excited children open presents. Others will not have any presents. 

Some will be incredibly blessed, with jobs, cars and home. Others will be homeless. 

We say this not because we want those who have much to feel guilty. You should rejoice on Christmas Day as you celebrate with family and friends. But we do want people to be aware there are many out there who don’t have family or friends, who don’t have homes, who don’t have money and don’t have anywhere to go on Christmas. 

We should all do what we can to add a little light to those around us.  

Nancy Morris with the Independent Orders of Odd Fellows CDA Lodge did just that on Tuesday when she walked into The Press office with a check for $10,000 from the benevolent organization for The Press Christmas for All program. 

“We just want to help the community,” she said. 

The day before, Monday, Pat Braden with the Coeur d’Alene Elks 1254 came to The Press with a check for $5,390 for The Press CFA. The Elks contribute in many ways with little recognition. 

“What we do in this community, very few people know of,” said Braden, Elks trustee and past exalted ruler.  

The stories of children who give change from their piggy bank to CFA are heartwarming and give us hope. Elderly offer money that could have gone toward paying bills.

Such donations will change for the better the lives of those touched by CFA. And we thank Nancy and Pat and the hundreds who have contributed to CFA. It does change lives for the better. 

The gift of money is wonderful. If, however, you don't have much money these days, there are other ways to add a bit of cheer to others. 

We can give our time, our most precious resource. When someone receives a note or card in the mail, simply wishing them well and letting them know they are loved, it can brighten the gloomiest of days. Even something as simple as a phone call can go a long way toward lifting someone’s spirits. Try saying, "Merry Christmas" to a stranger. It is almost guaranteed to be returned with a smile.

Some of us may tend to think our contributions are not necessary, that there are already enough people donating, writing or calling. We may believe our actions, or perhaps inaction is the better word, won’t make a difference. We would be wrong. We might all be surprised to learn even that the smallest of kind gestures goes a long way in helping someone feel better, appreciated, even loved.

We point out the obvious when we say there are millions all over the world who have little or nothing when it comes to material possessions. Yet, they are happy, even thankful.

And as the Bible says, "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." 

Christmas should be a time of joy for everyone. If we all do our part, it will be.