Love Lounge: On the joys of the holiday season

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Thanksgiving traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season. The hustle. The bustle. The tidings of good cheer. It's all so palpable in the air around this time. And while I'm so excited about doing my Holiday Gift Guide again this year (look for it the first week of December...), it's so important to remember all the ways we can give back this year. My mom's students are a wise bunch. She recently asked them"What are 10 things you can do, especially during the holidays, to spreadpeace and love in the world?" As each heartwarming suggestion poured in, aclear pattern emerged: Help others. Some said to buy gifts for those lessfortunate. Others said to go caroling to people's houses to make their nights abit warmer. And still, others said they were going to try to be nicer to theirlittle brother or sister. Thinkof these easy ways to spread love and peace the next time you're out in thebig, bad, scary world.
Smile at a stranger
You never know. You smile could very well brightens someone'sday. Too often, we walk with our heads down, glued to our Blackberries, rarelyever meeting another person's gaze. I'll admit that I've even been guilty ofthis a time or two myself. Life gets so hectic that we feel we have to beforever "plugged in", fearing that we'll miss an important call ortext. But what could be more important than that face-to-face exchange? It's alot more genuine than words and smiley faces on a tiny little screen. So goahead, put that Blackberry away and look up. You never know who you might see. Why not even take this smile one more mile and say hello tosomeone as you pass them on the street? Americans can sometimes be known forbeing, well, a bit aloof when it comes to social interactions. Now is the perfecttime to defy stereotype and say "hello" to someone. And mean it.

Let someone go in front of you in line at the store
It seems, especially during the holidays, that we're soquick to push and shove and push and shove our way to the head of the line likegrade-school kids on the playground. We don't care who we push aside in line aslong as we find ourselves at the front of it. Imagined how surprised and takenaback someone would be if you said, "Oh, here, why don't you go ahead ofme in line?" And if it's a mom or dad with a full cart and children whohave chosen that moment to exercise their lung power? Well, I'm sure they'll beparticularly grateful. 

Make your neighbor some cookies
My mother did this one weekend, and the cookie goodnesswas received with open and appreciative arms. I dare say that cookies are theuniversal way to bring joy to someone during the holiday season. The frostingand sprinkles alone could brighten anyone’s spirit, not to mention that factthat cookies are a comfort food to begin with.
What do you think, friends? How will you be spreading holiday joy this year? What are some of your ideas? Let's share, shall we? xoxo
[Photos via We Heart It]