I admit it. I’m getting older. I can see all the signs.

This time of the year, I’m addicted to the many classic Christmas movies which fill our TV screens almost 24/7 during the month of December. I don’t know if it’s nostalgia, hope for the future, seasonal loneliness, or a simple longing for a “happy ending.”

I tear up much too fast and far too often. I readily demonstrate the three most telling symptoms of a “softie”:

1. Tear in the eye
2. Lump in the throat
3. Warmth in the heart

… and all three usually occur midway through these Christmas classics. I love these trips down Memory Lane even though I’ve seen most of these classics more times than I can remember. While they never get old to me, I also have to admit that I have little interest in the animated specials or “cartoons” as we used to call them unless I’m watching them with my grandchildren.

However, this year I had advanced notice of an animated special featuring one of my all-time favorite Christmas stories … which, by the way, is based on a true story. The night it aired, I had plans I couldn’t get out of so I taped it to watch later when I got home.

As a result, I ended up watching the entire movie in the early hours of the morning. It was perfect. Full moon shining across the lake and through my floor to ceiling windows, snow falling gently, roaring fire in the fireplace, giant bowl of buttered popcorn, and enough ice cold Coke to float a boat! What more could anyone ask? I got comfortable, adapted the necessary mind set, snuggled up in a warm blanket and settled in for what turned out to be a fabulous rendition of “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus!”

Now don’t jump to conclusions. Although animated, it was a very powerful story that rendered a tremendously relevant message for adults as well as children. Although the network special only lasted 30 minutes, I managed to experience all three of the “softie symptoms” within the first five minutes.

This version had everything … the cutest and most lovable “Virginia” I’ve ever seen, an innocent younger brother who worshiped his big sister, the mean older school mate who spilled the beans even though she wanted to believe, concerned parents who weren’t sure how to handle this critical situation, an alcoholic street Santa who was wiser than first appraised, and a grumpy newspaper editor who had a change of heart that brought joy to the hearts of millions of children for decades to come. This is a classic that should be viewed by children from 9 to 90. It redefines hope, faith and the true Christmas Spirit at time when everyone in the country could benefit from a “spiritual boost.”

I mentioned earlier that this classic was based on a true story. Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun newspaper because a few of her friends told her Santa was not real. Her father told her that “If you see it in the Sun, it’s so!” The novel response was printed as an unsigned editorial September, 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Frank Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

The story of Virginia’s inquiry and the Sun‘s response was adapted into an Emmy Award-winning animated television special in 1974 featuring the voices of Jim Backus and Jimmy Osmond, and in 1991 it was adapted into a made-for-TV movie with Richard Thomas and Charles Bronson. In New York City, local television journalist Gabe Pressman has recounted the story every Christmas for the past 30 years.

Here’s the story as it was written on that fateful day 112 years ago. You’ll find it as heart-warming and relevant as it was the day it was written.

DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?”

VIRGINIA O’HANLON

The Editor answered:

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus? It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children or men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, and romance can push aside that curtain and view the picture and the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else more real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now,Virginia, nay ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you’ve experienced at least one of the three “softie symptoms” or maybe even scored a “hat trick” (3 scores) as I did. Later tonight, I’m playing the role of Santa for 150 young needy children who still have faith in the “Santa” we all grew up with. It’s an awesome responsibility but a treasured privilege I won’t soon forget!

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.

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How many times have you joined others to sing a Christmas carol in church or caroling through the neighborhood and really never thought about the actual words of the song or the fact that it may have a unique origin? Too many to count I’m sure.

Most Christmas carols are sung from memory dating back to our childhood. While there are dozens of favorites which re-emerge each holiday season, there is one, in particular, that is more than relevant in today’s chaotic world.

The lyrics certainly ring true even though they were written 146 years ago. Few people realize that “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was actually a poem, consisting of seven stanzas, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863. The Civil War was at its height, and the poet was in deep despair at the time. Two stanzas were later omitted as they contained references to the Civil War.

Hearing the Christmas bells chiming, he realized that God was great enough to overcome the world’s strife. When you hear the words today, you can’t help but wonder if they were written with our current-day mayhem in mind. Over the years this beautiful carol has been recorded by such notable voices as Elvis Presley, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, Ed Ames, Kate Smith, Frank Sinatra, Sarah McLachlan, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, the Carpenters, Bing Crosby, and Bette Midler.

Read the words and marvel at their truth and wisdom as they apply to the world of today. Better yet, try to listen to an actual recording of this classic to enjoy the haunting melody as the words reveal a harsh reality which may very well live forever. This memorable carol combines lyrics and music powerful enough to bring a tear to any eye, a lump to any throat, and warmth to any heart.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The world shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

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.

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I recently had a very rare and unique opportunity which left me with mixed feelings … regret and warmth.

REGRET that I didn’t get involved with this organization and its work long ago and …

WARMTH from the experience itself, those I worked with and those who benefited from our efforts.

I was invited to visit a Habitat for Humanity site and ended up working a with phenomenal group of people who united to offer their experience, talent and high level of energy to provide a HOME for one of the many families struggling in these times of dire straights.

I’ve known about Habitat for Humanity since 1984 when President Jimmy Carter got involved with this tremendous effort. However, it first started back in 1976. Since that time, they have built 350,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.75 million people in 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

I’ll provide a few more facts about this tremendous organization and tell you how you can get involved later in this article, but I’d like to tell you a little bit about what I witnessed during my experience.

First of all, it was COLD. After all, we are in the north, and it is winter. That meant nothing to this group of people I had the privilege to meet and work with. It was almost an added incentive to everyone as they worked to finish this house for a very special family in hopes of getting them into their new home by Christmas. Right now it looks as though they’re going to reach their goal with time to spare.

Secondly was the spirit which permeated that house and property. It was almost indescribable. Everyone involved appeared to be enjoying their work, happy to be there, chatting with others about their progress … you’d almost think they were on a payroll rather than volunteering their time and effort. It was indeed a joy to behold. This is the kind of spirit and determination that built this great country of ours. I witnessed teamwork, communication, progress, pride, and accomplishment by everyone involved. It didn’t appear to be work … no one seemed cold … everyone worked as though they were building their own home. I saw volunteers, both male and female, of all ages, creeds, and colors. The time flew by. Again, I was astonished. And to think that this is going on in every one of our 50 states as well as at least 90 other countries … and far too few people are aware of this tremendous opportunity.

If you’re interested in finding a project near your location or obtaining additional information simply visit Habitat for Humanity at http://www.habitat.org/ and use its search engine to find local affiliates. You’ll be glad you did.

Additional Data:

• Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
• Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner (partner) families.
• To accomplish these goals, they invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
• Volunteers work with future homeowners to build or renovate houses, which are then sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans, with no interest charged on the mortgage.
• The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.

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.

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Every year television networks flood the airways with holiday movies. We can count on unlimited access to the majority of our Christmas favorites and we do so for good reason. Seeing these classics make us feel good—at a time when the entire country can use a “spirit boost”! I hesitate to guess how many times some of these wonderful “jewels” have been shown … A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life and so many others which never seem to grow old.

The same holds true for certain stories which make us feel good about the season, our loved ones, and ourselves. A good story never grows old, and that’s why we’re repeating this one again this year. It’s a story about a little boy who is obviously wise beyond his years. He receives a tremendous gift by giving joy and happiness to his best friend. This is a short Christmas story that should be shared with your children and/or grandchildren during this joyous season. You’ll all feel better after doing so.

Read the story together and then discuss the true Spirit of Christmas.

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.

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Well, it’s that time of year again. We seem to be caught up in this holiday whirlwind that will sweep us into the coming year before we know. There seems to be so much to get done in such a short period of time. I can’t help but feel that this continuous chaos overshadows the “reason for the season.” What I witness today is a far cry from the “Christmas Spirit” I remember as a child.

To add to this sad realization is the fact that 4 of my 9 grandchildren have arrived at that tender age where they may very well have doubts about the authenticity of “Jolly Old St. Nick.” They may also, for the first time, be experiencing a mental and emotional tug-of-war between the concept of focusing on “the birthday of Jesus” OR “Santa’s annual visit.” In previous years, they managed to deal with both glorious events with very little concern.

If you’re experiencing any of what I just described, you might want to consider a very unique and rewarding solution this year. While so many are involved with shopping, decorating, gift wrapping, errands, and parties, others strive to stay out of the weather, maintain warmth, seek a place to sleep, find warm clothing, and simply manage to find their next meal.

This year you have a wonderful opportunity to reveal and instill the True Spirit of Christmas into the minds and hearts of each and every member of your family. The impact on your children and/or grandchildren can and will be enormous and permanent. And the strategy is indeed simplistic.

This season, and there’s still plenty of opportunity, volunteer your time and energy to assist those who are less fortunate this year. In doing so, every member of your family will rediscover the true meaning of Christmas and create new traditions that will live on for many festive seasons to come.

What To Do

This time of the year, your choices are plentiful. Do a little research to make certain you find an event that will be meaningful for every member of your family. Sit around your dining room table and share the options you came up with. Discuss each one and have a family vote.

Listed below is just a sampling of the many events taking place this time of the year. Google your local city for “volunteer opportunities” or call a few of the organizations listed here.

Have your children search their closets and toy boxes to find things they can donate to your local toy drive. The U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots and other similar programs are available everywhere.

Offer to shovel a driveway or sidewalk for an elderly neighbor or someone you know isn’t physically capable of doing it themselves.

Volunteer at the local homeless or drop in center. They often need help preparing/serving the meals, handing out gifts, decorating, organizing donations, singing, etc.

Help out at a children’s Christmas party. Many community associations or non-profit organizations put on a Christmas party or event for children. They often need volunteers to help with games, crafts, gift-wrapping, etc.

Volunteer at a local senior’s home or hospital. Everyone enjoys a visit during the holiday season and many people do not have family to come and see them. Have your family sing carols with the seniors, play a game, or just chat. The gift of time will mean a lot to them.

Simply go Christmas caroling in a neighborhood where you know there might be a good number of seniors. They would love to have you stop by. This used to be a normal event years ago. What happened to us? How did we get so busy? Why did we forget how good this felt for everyone involved? How do we bring it back?

If you run out of ideas, check with any of the following organizations in your area for further information. They’ll all be thrilled to hear your offer of assistance and you’ll be glad you did. If you have a small family, invite neighbors to join you or have your children invite friends from school. The more the merrier. And you’ll all enjoy The Greatest Gift of All.

• VFW
• Jaycees
• Elks Club
• Lions Club
• Big Sisters
• United Way
• Eagles Club
• Rotary Club
• Food Banks
• US Marines
• Big Brothers
• Social Services
• Senior Centers
• Salvation Army
• Local Churches
• Nursing Homes
• YMCA / YWCA
• American Legion
• Rescue Missions
• Meals on Wheels
• Retirement Homes
• Junior Achievement
• Community Centers
• American Red Cross
• Knights of Columbus
• Child Welfare Agency
• Chamber of Commerce
• Child & Family Services
• Neighborhood Associations
• Foster Grandparent Programs
• Hospital Gift Shop Volunteers
• Community Action Organizations

Read more:

10 things The Salvation Army will be doing this Christmas

Throughout the Christmas period, The Salvation Army will be:

1. Visiting elderly people who are housebound and lonely at Christmas.
2. Holding Christmas lunches for people who would otherwise be spending a miserable Christmas alone.
3. Delivering hot food, sleeping bags and small Christmas gifts (such as socks and handkerchiefs) to homeless people.
4. Giving shelter to homeless people and the chance of a fresh start in life.
5. Delivering Christmas parcels of food and presents to housebound older people and others in need.
6. Delivering toys to children from poorer families.
7. Helping and supporting the emergency services when there is a major disaster, fire or accident.
8. Delivering Christmas boxes to prisoners and their families as a message of hope and goodwill.
9. Spreading the joy of Christmas at hospitals and elderly people’s homes with a Salvation Army band.
10. Offering comfort and companionship to those who are lonely or distressed at Christmas time.

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.

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