New Year's Eve

     Make a number of envelopes with "Emergency Midnight Kisses" written on the front and put in a few Hershey's kisses inside. Scatter these around town or the shindig you are at and bring a smile to many faces as you ring in the New Year.

Terrific for Terra

    If you are anything like me, this is the time of year you suddenly realize you don't have enough flutes and glasses to properly toast in the New Year. Why add to the already burgeoning mounds of recycling or, God forbid, landfill? The cool company Refresh Glass (refreshglass.com) creates pretty and eco-efficient drinking glasses from rescued wine bottles. Cheers!

Have a Gratitude Circle

     Instead of just another holiday party, have friends over and state what you are grateful for in the world and about each other. Take note!

Reach Out

     The holidays can be an intensely lonely time. I remember when I first arrived in San Francisco and really had nowhere to go. Kindly folks invited me to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I made new friends, ate marvelous dinners, and was so grateful. I try to do the same now that I have a home I can share. Look around and see whom you can invite over. This is a lovely tradition among my group of friends and is, I truly believe, what the holidays are really supposed to be about.

Re-Gifting 101

 

  Now that you and your family have celebrated, eaten to your heart's content, and opened presents, ask if everyone likes your gifts and if they will use them. If there is something that doesn't fit or isn't useful, donate it. I remember when people were shocked that FLOTUS Nancy Reagan re-gifted but I think was just ahead of the curve!

    If your heart and wallet have different ideas about making monetary donations, it is time to summon your inner re-gifter. An unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charitable organization. For help selecting a charitable organization, visit the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance at give.org. You can also contact the government office responsible for registering charities in your state. A little research upfront will make sure your donation is put to good use. If the process of selecting a charity seems daunting, remember that you benefit from giving as well.

    Involving your children in the selection of a charity teaches valuable lessons. You have the opportunity to make a difference. Some charitable gifts are tax-deductible if made to a qualified organization. But be sure your organization meets IRS guidelines, as there may be different tax breaks when you donate certain assets to charity.

Share the Love

    The Holidays can be a difficult time for many people who don't have family nearby, a home to sleep in, of food to eat. A great way to be a good in the world is to volunteer a few hours of your time to work in a soup kitchen and help serve those who are in need of a hot meal. You can also use this time to get your family involved and impart good moral values on your children. For many years running, I have volunteered at Glide Memorial Church in downtown San Francisco and enjoyed each and every minute of it. I bet your community has a place like Glide that can be your happy place. Make other people happy and feel your own special joy. If you find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area around Thanksgiving or Christmas, check out glide.org/serveameal, then come on down and we'll have fun together serving up some love.

    The Volunteer Resource Program at Glide works with about 10,000 volunteers each year, totally 65,000 hours of service. The Glide Meals Program is a transformative experience. This program requires 85 volunteers each day to fill the breakfast, prep, lunch and dinner shifts, all 365 days a year. With your help they can serve up to 2,400 meals per day to the Glide community. Volunteers assist with everything from serving food, to bussing tables, to handing out silverware and condiments. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, and make some beautiful connections!

Christmas Eve

  

    As your family arrives- or as you arrive at your family's- to celebrate Christmas, greet everyone with a genuine smile and embrace. Leave any past disagreements at the door and see good in everyone. You love these people and they love you. Bond over happy memories and the amazing dinner spread on the table.