Adoption is usually thought to be a long-term situation resulting in a number of considerations before making a commitment.
Sadly, not everyone is in a position to be of permanent assistance to those many in need.
However, seasonal adoptions are another story altogether. There are a number of options here which allow most anyone to adopt someone for the holiday season … by sharing love and attention in a way which will be long remembered and always appreciated.
Let’s take a look at just a few of the many options available:
Open Your Home
Think for a moment about your current circle of acquaintances. Do you know a college student who won’t be able to travel home this Christmas? How about a co-worker with no relatives? Have new neighbors moved into your area? Are you aware of a recently widowed church member? Think of these folks as extended family and invite them to share your holiday dinner. You’ll enjoy the experience as much as they’ll appreciate it!
Adopt a Grandparent
Contact one of the many nursing centers or retirement homes in your area and request the name of a lonely, aged resident. Make him/her your honorary grandparent. Visit, call and bring them thoughtful gifts. Invite them over for dinner. Give freely of your time and remember to continue the relationship throughout the year.
Become an Angel
Take advantage of opportunities during December to reach out to others in your community. Contribute to the mall mitten tree, to a single parent through your local civic club, or to a homeless teenager through a local shelter. Fill their request, slip in a luxury item or two, and do it with the same generosity of spirit you’d show your own children.
Join a Team
Contact local homeless shelters, food banks, or soup kitchens to find out how you can be of assistance this year. Your support may be needed to serve food to those in need, help wrap gifts that have been donated to the shelter so the residents can enjoy the experience of unwrapping a holiday surprise, or maybe assist in decorating the shelter or putting up the Christmas tree.
Focus on the Essentials
If possible, collect and deliver the many essentials needed for those less fortunate. Provide warm coats, blankets, hats, scarves, gloves, blankets and clothes for those in need.
Buy canned goods and other nonperishable items and deliver them to a soup kitchen or food bank. Donate paper goods such as toilet paper and paper towels to the shelter.
Reap the Benefits
The example you set for your children and/or grandchildren by assisting the less fortunate this Christmas will encourage them to continue this kindness in the coming years. The additional blessing to your family will provide warm memories for many years to come!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.