Well, here we are, December 2020. Only a few weeks from Christmas, or as a friend brilliantly put it, March 279th, 2020.
As you bustle about, holiday-style, let’s remember a few things that 2020 has illuminated.
First, many small businesses are struggling or have closed due to Covid-restrictions. On a Facebook mom group yesterday, someone posted a text message they had gotten from a local frozen yogurt shop. It read, I’ll paraphrase, “We miss our customers, and we are really struggling. Please come visit, here’s a coupon”.
I read the screenshot over and over, and I could feel the desperation in the text. My heart broke for this small business, and their owners. It’s a sad reality at the moment for so many businesses.
Next, some industries have been hit harder than others. While Food Lion and some take-out spots are seeing decent traffic, airline pilots are being furloughed by the thousands, and bartenders are barely working. While my husband’s job (aviation) is secure at the moment, we know friends that weren’t as lucky. Their seniority number didn’t make the cut, and some have a house full of kiddos to support. Imagine the defeat around this time of year.
Homeless shelters are more crowded than ever, especially with the drops in temperature and looming covid destruction. Where people are suppose to be quarantining or social distancing, these facilities are overwhelmed with people.
So many friends around our communities need us to band together and do what we can.
Here is what we can do:
Here is what we can do:
•Shop local and shop small. Buy gift cards from a small business in your area. Stuff your stockings with those gift cards from the frozen yogurt spot or handmade crafts from a local artisan.
•Visit local restaurants, OVER TIP your waitstaff. I’m talking over 20%. Throw in a couple of those gift cards you picked up.
•Reach out to your struggling friends and family and see if you can help. Some may need help with a water bill, and some may need help watching a child so they can work that crazy schedule that makes ends meet.
•List things on Facebook marketplace or Mom groups for low prices or free. What you could drop off at Good Will could be the best Christmas ever for some.
•Go through your decorations and offer them to families that cannot afford to newest and best.
•Adopt a child from an Angel tree, or a family. The greatest gift I can give my children is the gift of giving to others.
•Drop off some extra blankets and blessing bags at your local shelters. I’m sure they could really use them.
•Trades that are usually seasonal, like lawn care or construction, hire them if you can for odds and ins around the house. Some didn’t have the greatest Christmas in July they are used to, and their savings may not be what it was in previous years.
•Buy full price from your local shops, if you can. Don’t ask for the extra discounts, or cheapen someone’s hard work this year. That 10% savings may be the difference between making rent or not.
•Do not forget your teachers, what a year for them! Maybe send a gift card to them this year instead of the handmade ornament, or both!
•Tip your hairdressers, and the like, well! Don’t forget they weren’t able to work for several months this year!
•AND MOST IMPORTANT, be kind. BE KIND. You don’t know everyone’s 2020 story.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Wishing you all warmth and good health through the season.
Nice post.
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