The Holiday Lights Project, Take 2020

2020: what a year, huh? I’m going to try to avoid saying things like, “in times like these,” or, “after a year like this,” but let’s face it: if there were ever a year in which the world needed a lift, this is it.

The problem is, I feel like I’ve been saying that for the past five years and it’s starting to get old. So let’s say this instead: the world always needs people who are willing to rise above their personal mess and share some love and kindness with others, especially around the holidays.

For years, my family and I have practiced what I’ll call “free-range blessing,” looking for ways that we can share some kindness or help with strangers who need it. We do this year-round, and we do it intentionally, making it part of our family DNA. I cannot recommend this enough: if you want a happy family, teach them to care for others who can’t give them anything in return. And if you want your kids to appreciate their Christmas presents, give them a chance to buy a gift for a kid who probably won’t get anything else this year.

If you want a happy family, teach them to care for others who can’t give them anything in return.

While we look for opportunities to bless people all year round, we go a little crazy starting around Thanksgiving (more…