Merry Christmas and Happy winter holidays.  After a month of record temperatures, I am looking out my window in Delanson, NY to see it snowing.  It gives it that holiday sort of feel.

I have never been terribly computer literate – I rely on my terribly handsome and way smart husband to rescue me from myself when it comes to computer related problems.  But today I plunged into the world of blogdom on my own.  I read the tutorial, figured out what I was doing, then proceeded to write this really lofty piece about the benefits and importance of giving of yourself, donating money and generally doing good stuff for others.  It’s what the season brings out in us.  As I went to save this literary masterpiece, I hit the “admin” button, thinking I was going to post from there, and promptly blew away everything I had written. 

No matter, I am no literary genius and I would direct you to a really great piece written by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (the Yarn Harlot).  I have admired this woman’s work from afar – she doesn’t know me, though I feel quite tuned into her life, having enjoyed her blog for some time now, including her books.

I will paraphrase what I tried to post earlier, which echo Stephanie’s thoughts:

Do something, anything, to help those who are not as fortunate as yourself.  Donate a few dollars (or more if you can) to a charity you connect with, volunteer your time, do a good deed.  And this should be a year-round thing, not just a feel good Christmas chore you can check off your list for another year.  Knitters are those year-round good deed doers – now go and spread the news.

Be kind to your children (or someone else’s).  Kindness begets kindness, and sticks with people, especially when it is ingrained from an early age. 

Count your blessings.  We have so much, don’t forget that the better percentage of the world has very little or nothing. 

Knit something for someone else (not family) and give it away. See Betty Christainsen’s book Knitting For Peace for great ideas and charities that would love a donation from you.

Enjoy this beautiful time of year and take some of that good feeling into 2007 with you and pass it around.

Peace & Love