Santa 3/Grinch 2 I've been busy putting together our presents for the Little Guy's teachers and 40 of Hubby's business associates and clients. eek!
This year I'm going with a "Cold Weather Care Package" theme.
It's a holiday-printed lunch bag stuffed full with an assortment of Bellagio cocoas and mochas, Bigelow Flavored Teas, Honey Sticks, Hot Cider Drink Mixes, Biscotti, bon bons and chocolate truffles, along with a gift certificate to our local used book store.
Oh, and some of those Lazzaroni Amaretti di Saronno cookies. Actually this was an excuse to justify buying 2 bags, because I JUST LOVE THEM.
They're stapled at the top with curly ribbons and look quite festive.
Anyhoo, the big kid and I gave them a test run by giving them to our classmates the last day of school. It was a big hit with the starving students, although some of them had to explain to the old folks what the honey sticks were for!
Since I'm such a fabulous shopper (ha ha--or should I say a lucky one!) I was able to get everything in bulk at close-to-wholesale, so each bag cost less than 3 bucks to put together without the gift certificate. I was able to negotiate with the owner of the bookstore to get those for 20% off, so we're good to go!
Ok, there is a point to this post, and I'm getting to it!!
My mom forwarded me an email last night called A Senior Christmas. It is supposed to be cheerful, but with all of the family stuff going on, it made me feel a bit melancholy.
I started thinking about all of our seniors who are in nursing homes and who don't have families to visit them or think of them during the holidays. There are always a few. My dad was in a nursing home for a brief time, and they can be pretty grim.
So while I'm still knee deep in the extra packages of cocoa and tea and treats, I came up with a plan.
We don't need these extra things to make our holiday brighter. Just being alive and healthy and together makes the season bright enough.
The guys and I are going to spend the weekend putting together a couple of holiday baskets to take over to the local nursing home. I looked on the web to see what might be items most suited and came up with a list:
Warm Fuzzy Socks
Lip Balm
Lotion
Plastic Cups with lid and straw
Suncatcher
Stuffed Animal
Tea, Hot Chocolate, or Apple Cider Mixes
Playing Cards
Note Cards and Stamps
Large Type Crossword Puzzle Book and Mechanical Pencil
Soft Candy
If you're looking for a simple project to keep the kids busy over the holidays, this might be one to think about! You could really brighten up someone's day!
Cheers!
19 comments:
You have restored my faith in Christmas - what it's all about, what it should be all about. We're taking the entire Christmas dinner to the senior home my father-in-law is in. Sure, it will be a ton of trouble but it will be worth it.
I read "A Senior Christmas." I don't find it funny (or cheerful) at all. It is SO sad.
Hey there.......
Remember how I have mentioned in the past my love of the "freecycle" online network..etc...well...a few of us freecyclers are doing a similar christmas ":give back" thing..too..
Christmas stockings......
We are asking folks to pull out a pair of nice warm winter socks.. you know those good ski ones that keep your toes toasty warm....
And you put one inside the other and then we are filling them with toiletry items ie) soap, toothbrush/paste, deoderant..etc. along with maybe a deck of cards, or little christmas sweet treats..etc.etc. whatever you can think of that would be nice.
They they are taking them down to the local shelter to have them given out over the holidays.
It doesn't cost much but it sure can help.
Spreading some holiday cheer, good for you :)
And that poem is sad, not funny at all IMO.
My boyfriend's mum works in a care home and she's working on Christmas day even though the family she loves will be here. She's really dedicated to those people.
My grandmother-in-law lives in a nursing home and her favorite gift of all time is fuzzy, warm socks. Or is that warm, fuzzy socks?
Wow! You are SO right... that's the real spirit of Christmas for ya! :-)
You are AWESOME! Martha Stewart would be SO proud of you!
That is a really sweet idea, Attila. I love the raisins, and it always makes me a bit sad to think of them on the holidays.
You're a total peach. :)
Attila!!!
That's a fabulous idea...Thank you, You are a gem.
What a GREAT idea!!
Thanks.
Ps where didga get all the energy from?
Wow.
That is an AWESOME idea. I agree with Beth--You have restored my faith in Christmas and the *true* meaning.
Happy Holidays!
Hugs,
Heather ♥
YOU ROCK!!! Thanks for the great Idea my kids and I will do something similar for the nursing home here in town...
Thanks ..
Hi. First of all. I am seriously impressed with your shopping. prowess. And negotiating skills. And I am very touched by your idea for the project.
Very nice, and I'm sure the seniors would love it.
Lisa
You're doing a good thing - keep it up ! Now that's what I call "Christmas Spirit"!
What a great idea...thanks for the inspiration!
My Mom just moved into the nursing home 2 weeks ago. It is amazing how much attention they get this time of year, so maybe some of your readers who are already overscheduled will remember this idea in March (and other times during the year) when there is less traffic at the home. Because, really, Christmas isn't a day, is it? Christmas is more of a lifestyle. Another hint: it doesn't hurt to check with the home to see if there are specifics that their residents are "wishing for". Most of the lotions and hygiene products are provided, but some of the folks may have a brand specific preference that needs to be provided by family and friends. Thanks for remembering, and MOST important, for teaching kids about this very important part of the holiday.
What an AWESOME idea!!! You're too cool!
This is a wonderful idea! Kudos to you for thinking of it and for giving us suggestions as well. :)
That is a fab idea Attila....but I must ask...what are the honey sticks for?
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