Gifts of Love

I had been looking for evidence that giving and goodness are prevalent in a world seemingly dominated by negative news reports. While acts of love and kindness may be easier to spot during the holiday season these glimmers of love and light brighten our existence whenever and wherever we find them.

Here is just one example I found:

I noticed in the Herald Tribune, our local Sarasota newspaper, an article requesting donations of “Shoe Boxes for Seniors.” It made me smile as I created a “lavender themed box” for a female senior filled with soap, lotion, note pads, socks, a lace fan and a picture frame. What a simple idea to bring joy to the elderly in our community who are often alone or without family members close by.

It reminded me of my own grandparents, now gone, with whom I used to share the spirit of holiday giving. As part of a ‘universal family’ such as ours, we may not be able to bring joy to our parents or grandparents, due to loss or distance….but we can do something to make other people’s loved ones feel special.

When I delivered the box, I was astounded by a gigantic Christmas tree surrounded by hundreds of beautifully wrapped shoe boxes that would soon be delivered to assisted living centers, shelters, and elderly people in the area. For many, this would be their only present for the holiday.

I had no idea that this tradition had been going on for many years and that the Herald had collected 1542 boxes last year and were expecting to deliver about 2000 this year. Wow! So many “Secret Santa’s” in our midst!

Seeing the generosity of this community gave me more of a spirit of Christmas than any of the holiday activities that I would be participating in. And as I looked around I realized that there was a plethora of such opportunities to make the holidays brighter…whether it be donations of canned goods, toys for tots, or a warm acknowledgment of a neighbor or a street person we pass by.

And the best part is that we don’t have to wait for the holidays to perform such simple acts of kindness. We can give gifts of love and experience this kind of heart-warming joy anytime of the year!

Wishing you, your friends, and families a holiday season abundant with gifts of love, peace, and goodwill to all.

Linda Commito