Kindness: Paying Tribute to Sandy Hook

The Newtown, CT tragedy has had a profound affect on us.  If you were like me, you avoided watching or reading the news, and even Facebook, over the weekend because your heart could not handle it.  Only this week did I get the courage to read the Hartford Courant article with the details of how the school staff tried to protect the children. While tears streamed down my face, I found a bit of comfort in the fact that several children, hiding in a closet at the encouragement of their teacher, survived.  How do we make sense of such a senseless and horrible act?

When grieving, there is very little we can say to comfort one another.  Our words won't take the sorrow or horror away, yet being with one another does ease the pain.  This tragedy seems to have awoken many of us to what is truly important in life.  Parents flocked to local schools, dismissing their children early, and held them in their arms.  Families played games together, had a special treat for dinner or dessert, and were present, in the moment, with their loved ones.  Gratitude abounds, with people practicing kindness, and telling others how blessed they are to have them in their life, including paying homage to teachers.

Something that struck a chord in me was hearing the recent experience of one of the graduates I had the pleasure to work with at the College.  She explained she was in the drive-thru line at Dunk's and when she arrived at the window, she received the card below, discovering that the woman in the car in front of her had paid for her coffee.  She was so moved by this random act of kindness that she went home and made a list of 26 acts that she could do to make the world a better place.

The thoughtfulness continues to spread...I ordered some holiday gifts on E-Bay and instead of receiving an invoice, I got an email from the woman who made the items stating, "Merry Christmas.  Enjoy and do something kind for someone else."  I was dumbfounded.  Could we possibly begin living in a world where kindness and good will takes precedent?

While all of us would prefer to never have had the Newtown tragedy occur, out of darkness comes light.  This spiritual awakening has connected an entire country.  Let's hope it is not brief and fleeting -- we can make it last.  Make your list of 26 random acts to help others, pay it forward, and pass it on.  Inspire others you know, including kids, to do the same.  Hold those you love near and finally try that something you always wanted to do.  Let teachers and those who care for your kids know how important they are to you. The best way to pay tribute is to "do"; volunteer, donate, smile, and give thanks.  Make this holiday season and new year not about the presents, but about connections, togetherness, and heart.  None of us would be where we are today without the help of others.  Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Holiday Traditions - Old and New

Often the best part of the holidays are the traditions you establish with family and friends. Cookies you make, decorating a bit, watching holiday movies together, and games you play are the true magic of the season. Heck, I used to look forward to taking DOWN the Christmas tree with my family growing up because that night we always ordered whatever Chinese food we desired. It was something to look forward to after a sad and dull task. The date doesn't matter -- it is what we do with others that creates the most special memories that touch the heart.

When loved ones pass on, holidays can change but the traditions still remain. Missing your parents’ or grandparents’ special holiday culinary creations? Why not try to recreate one or two with other family members? Of course it may never quite taste the same, but the time and effort you spend channeling those we love and honoring traditions they taught you, is what really matters. Play music that reminds you of them. Yes, you may cry, but you will most likely smile afterwards thinking of a funny event that happened years ago. Put out a special holiday candle, just for them. Place an ornament on your tree in their memory that reminds you of something they enjoyed. Donate items in their memory - maybe dog and cat toys to a local animal hospital or snacks to a homeless shelter right before a big game on tv. Tell your kids and grandkids stories of holidays past. These are ways you keep your loved ones with you and new traditions are born.

Traditions are what are handed down and what we make on our own. If your family and friends lack interesting and fun traditions, create new ones. They don't have to be perfect like a Hallmark card. Strive to be yourselves and not stress. The best times are simple and often just happen. Ask for ideas -- even from the younger ones in your circle. Maybe you'll have an M&M buffet, fall asleep in front of the tv watching a marathon of holiday specials, or go on a car trip to see holiday lights with everyone in their pajamas and bathrobes, sipping hot chocolate.

During school vacation, freak out your teen by sending them an invitation to meet you by the television at midnight to play video games or go for a mani/pedi with your daughter and ask her to pick out your color, something new and vibrant, including a little nail art. Go snow tubing, on a dog sled ride, or some other adventure in the cold to take your breath away. Make breakfast for dinner or eat dessert before your meal to keep the kids wondering. Or volunteer your time together in honor of a loved one and smile up to the heavens - noting this one's for you! Physically gone but never forgotten…until we all meet again.

May you feel the warmth this holiday season and know you are not alone. The love of family and friends, past and present, never goes away.