Sharing the season with friends and family is what this time of year is all about. Many of us know someone that have neither friends or family or are alone because of distance and /or circumstance. Those of us who are lucky to own a historic home can do much to make those who are alone or needy have a Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas.
Most of us who have a historic home have decorated it to the hilt. Sponsor a tour of the first floor of your home for the local Senior ‘s home or organization, especially if you do not have a local Historic Homes tour. Provide treats relevant to the homes history and give the Seniors an opportunity to add to your understanding of your home’s place in the history of the town by asking them if they knew or had memories of the families that lived in the home when they were young.
I f you have a home that is not suitable for a tour, then bake treats, again from your houses history and give them either to your local Meals on Wheels or the Seniors home. Seniors are not only the ones at this time that are in need. Many of the needy with small children or teens need support also.
You can combine a history lesson with your outreach when you give to the local toy drive a historic toy with a handwritten explanation accompanying it. Children have not changed that much over the centuries and something small, especially that they can easily carry with them, will always be a good choice. Teenagers are another issue. Those of us who have had our own teens know that even though they hate being different than their peers, they are also striving to be different. Give a young girl a small gift of needles, yarn and a simple instruction booklet. Tuck a modern tube of lip gloss in your gift so if you have a child that truly is not interested in any type of craft, your gift is not a complete bust. Teenage boys are no less challenging. I suggest a leather journal complete with pens and a small book of historic quotes that focus on success and personal growth. I think that one of our greatest gifts we can give a child is the expectation of excellence. By showing them the world that came before they can see their place in the world to come.