The Extra Mile

[SuzSee-PLP Creator]

It's the holidays, and that always brings out the sap in me. We all know that I am sappy anyway, but, at the holidays, it gets worse. You have been warned. LOL

During the holidays, my husband tells me that it seems that the best in folks always comes out. I'd love to hear what that "best" is for you. Do you and your family volunteer at a soup kitchen, do you bake things for loved ones, what do you do that causes you to go that extra mile specifically at the holidays. I would love to hear the good in your lives and what happiness or goodness you bring into other people's homes and hearts ~~~ I know you do this, because you do it every day by being here and brightening my own day.

I am confident that by reading these stories we all will be brightened, and maybe it'll give a new idea for someone to do something new. Hugs to all.

Suzie
PLP Network Creator

[Ronda Fenlon]

We have 2 special projects. On Thanksgiving day my husband, daughters and theri spouses join my siblings and parents at their church and we serve dinner to those who would otherwise be alone for the Holiday. This is our 27th year and the best of traditions for our family. We have some of the original attendees still joining us. This year we served 125. After dineer we play bingo for prizes that can be used for Christmas gifts. Great way to start the season.
We also hold a Live Nativity at our church for the community. On Saturday night the 6th we hosted 240 people to a live nativity and chili supper. It is a great way to share the story and touch peoples lives.

[Regina Dickerson, Event Planner]

You know how they have angels on the tree for kids and other ideas. How about making a special donation to any, or just in general, for the homeless pets, ASPCA, or your Humane Society, or whatever shelter that you would like to do, as a x-mas donation??? Just an idea.

[Heidi Hall]

It is wonderful to read all of your stories! This year we donated $20 to Fund a Feast to help out our local food banks. We also give to "Toys for Tots" and "Coats for Kids" for Christmas. Doesn't seem like much compared to all your traditions.. but I am sure every little bit helps. And we had our family Thanksgiving dinner at our house.. We stuffed ourselves and had tons of fun:-)
Happy Holidays to All!
Blessings,
Heidi

[Karen]

Every year for several years now, a rescue transport has been in the works. Last year, it was 2 kittens, the year before was a wolfdog (of course). Seems every year some animal needs to get to their forever home just before Christmas.

[Carolyn Turner]

I am 67 and basically retired from a local police department as a 911/Police & Fire Dispatcher but on Thanksgiving and Xmas I work so that the younger girls can take off and spend the holidays with their families since most of them have yunger children. My youngest is 38 and oldest 47 and we usually have our get togethers the Sunday after. They understand because when they were younger people did the same thing for me. My job is not one that someone can just come into and do it without proper training so I just try to do what I can to help them since I trained most of them and they are close to my heart.

[Sonia Gay]

we always have an ope door at our house any one can come on the holidays. This year my yougest brother asked if he could bring a few soldiers. We said sure. I aske how many so I could plan He said well with the family 40 all together I got on the phone and called my adopted sister my half sister and my new sister ing law asking them if they would bring different items sur they all said and how many it got quiet each time I said 40 then not problem. Well we only had 28 and we sent a lot of food home with the soldier and his family. But we have new friends and Isabel the wife found out that Americans show their love To Everyone. She has no family in America she is from Germany. They are living in a one bedroom appartment till their place is ready and their furiture and stuff get here from Germany. Not as many as we thought but they will be back for Christmas.

[SuzSee-PLP Creator]

I just love reading through these. It inspires me to add on new things to my holiday traditions. I forgot to mention that this year for Thanksgiving I also baked pies and took them to the fire department and police departmnet (along with the flowers.) Can hardly wait till Christmas with all these new ideas I am getting!

[Marie]

Hi Suzie! My family always shows the best in them, by inviting people who don't have a place to go for a holiday dinner to the house. Sometimes they show, sometimes they don't.

[Carrie ~ Max's Mom]

My little good deed used to be done during the Christmas season. When I Iived in the Boston area, I always drove "home" for the holiday and left a day or two before Christmas. I would always make sure that I had two extra gifts; either wrapped or gift bagged and uni-sex (candy,cookies, candles, etc.). I then would set off on my trip...depending on traffic an hour and a half. My route included going on a "toll road" a.k.a. the Mass. Turnpike. When I stopped to get my ticket at the toll booth from the attendant, I would hand them a gift and wish them a Happy Holiday. I would also do this when getting off of the pike. The suprise and joy in their faces was incredible! I loved doing this and now that I live "home" I no longer travel on the hoidays. This tradition is one that I carried on for about 20 plus years until we moved to western Mass. in 2004.

[Eloise]

Wonderful ideas.I have adopted Several families we watch out for.Sometimes that seems like alot.Happy Holiday. Eloisae