Do you enjoy the holiday season? Do you look forward to the endless hours of extra work and deadlines with anticipation? Many of you revel in the challenge, but I am prone to develop a protective coating of Teflon Anti-Ho Ho Ho around my soul that repels any volley of Christmas cheer. How did I get to be such a Scrooge about Christmas? I struggle to embrace a time of “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men” when there are fist fights over the last flat screen TV on Black Friday.
What do I do to melt my harden heart when it comes to all the foolishness for Christmas?
It’s simple; I remember that it is not about me. It’s looking to the needs of those in need that brings joy to my heart at Christmas. It’s giving; knowing that a reciprocal present will not be forthcoming. It’s my unknown soldier.
My son was gone for five Christmases when he was serving in the military. I melted down the first year, but I decided never to let that happen again. I found that if I focused on the needs of others, it made my loneliness dissipate. I started sending boxes to my son packed with items to share with his comrades. Now that he is home, I still send boxes. I asked someone in the military to give me the name of a soldier overseas who had never gotten a package. What fun to mail that hero a cookie!
If you want a great way to embrace the true meaning of Christmas, send a box! Find a soldier who is far away from home, which could be on a stateside base as well, and pack a box full of Christmas cheer. There are many websites to connect you with service men and women. It’s the best anecdote against Teflon taking root around your heart. Give some joy!
How do you pack a box? You can go online for recommended items to send based on what country your soldier is serving. Here are some of most requested items you can find at Buchheit.
Beef Jerky! Now if you are a hunter and have one of the great smokers or dehydrators from Buchheit, you can make superb homemade jerkies. If you have less time, hit the Jerky stand at the front by the check lanes of your local Buchheit store.
Pillowcases are a great send. I wash and line dry a dark color pillowcase outside and fold it into a seal-a-meal bag and seal that fresh smell inside! It’s funny what they miss, and smells trigger happy memories. OK, Buchheit may not carry pillowcases, but their seal-a-meal units are great for keeping everything fresh and dry. It is a wonderful way to pack cookies!
Hard candy is what I use as filler. I pack all my items and fill the spaces with hard candies. Buchheit sells bulk candy, and you can even sample a piece in the store for a nickel!
Don’t forget to wrap in a zip-lock a roll or two of toilet paper. Books, DVD’s and newspapers are appreciated as well as socks that wick away moisture.
Lip balms, homemade lye soap, soothing balms, and essential oils are great as long as you wrap them carefully. Make sure to ship all toiletries separately from a box of cookies just in case of spillage.
Do not smirk over the next item. Anti-Monkey Butt Powder went with me on every mission trip I took. Not only does it help with chafing, but when its 90 degrees in a tent, if you dust your chest with it, but your body temp will also be reduced, and it may help you fall asleep.
Just have fun and pack the flat-rate postal boxes to the brim. You can even decorate the package itself. It will adjust your attitude, fill your heart with gratitude and lift your spirits as the Christmas season is upon us! Be blessed! Merry Christmas! Ann May
