It’s Christmas day! Families, friends and loved ones are celebrating the season of giving, joy and hope. Believers celebrate the Savior’s birth. So many have shared pics of decorated trees, ice skating, cookie baking and of course – gifts!
Amidst all of this positive energy, a few people I know are having more somber celebrations. I am thinking of the friends who are spending the day in hospital rooms, battling for their next breath. Others, who have lost their loved ones are facing Christmas without their Mom, Dad, spouse, child…
A friend of mine who is a good soul shared that he is trying to help others who are struggling to get off the intersection of “stressed and depressed.” For some, 2015 has been a year marked by other losses of jobs, money, relationships and opportunities.
Should any of this put a damper on the day?
No.
Everyone deserves respect for being who they are on this day, and where they are, without any judgment. The most positive thing we can do for people in this place is to be there, wholeheartedly and with kindness. What they are going through could happen to anyone. But words and hugs are sometimes not enough…
Positive action is what changes lives.
I salute all of these friends who are facing tough circumstances. More importantly, I salute them for taking positive action! They decided to give their families one of the greatest gifts this holiday season – a more secure financial future. They have given the gift of a lifetime by protecting the future of their loved ones. They are doing it in creative and fun ways – involving friends and family members. This lets everyone know that having a better financial future is a priority.
My friend who is a new Mom started a savings plan for her newborn and is having all of the relatives contribute a very small amount every paycheck (instead of one big gift at birthday, holiday and other times).
Another pal decided to start a business and is asking for referrals from family and friends as the “gift” of the season. It is more meaningful than anything that could come wrapped in a box. He is celebrating two new clients that he would not have had otherwise!
Insurance, savings plans and business opportunities – are not the big buzz happening over at the mall. But this is the stuff that changes lives. The gift of a lifetime that lasts beyond yours.
What can you give your loved ones to help them have a more financially secure future?
Candisparks's Blog 