A Christmas Truce

A few weeks ago I resumed this blog by promising to answer questions regarding the practice of gratitude.  For a couple of weeks my posts have been related to the holidays.  This one is too, but it is also an answer to a question:

Considering that we are approaching Christmas, if you could use gratitude to create a gift for the world, what would it be? 

I would probably want everyone to experience a world-wide day of being positive and appreciative.  I wonder how it would change our lives?

What if everyone decided to spend the next 24 hours committed to doing, saying, and thinking positive, grateful thoughts?  What if we called a truce on backbiting, fault-finding, criticizing, and unkind jokes and remarks?  What if everyone spent that 24 hours looking for the good in others, overlooking faults, helping a neighbor or friend, volunteering for an hour, cleaning up someone else's mess without complaining, bringing someone a treat, saying "thank you",  letting someone else go first in traffic or at the supermarket?  I wonder how those actions would change the world and the level of happiness we all experience. While we can't create that kind of positive wave worldwide, we can practice it in our own life. We can influence our own home, friends and workplace.  

We can all find ample reasons for taking offense, finding fault, or being irritable.  But what if, for just one day, we made an effort to elevate ourselves to a higher state of awareness, love, and gratitude?  

As we make an effort to find positive ways to approach negative situations, and as we use gratitude as the focus in all we do, our world becomes a much happier place.  So, I'm going to make a bold suggestion:  for the next 24 hours think positively; refrain from criticism; find a positive way to think about some negative situation; perform some loving act of kindness; smile at someone; say thank-you every opportunity you get; look for the good in others.   It won't cure all the ills in the world, but it will make your little corner of creation a better place.  It will strengthen the true Christmas spirit, the spirit of love, in your life.  

You may be familiar with the story of the Christmas truce that occurred during World War I.  I will share with you a soldier's letter regarding that event. (Although this is a fictional letter, the author has attempted to make his account historically accurate as he relates actual events from that remarkable interlude in the fighting. I  have abbreviated some passages, to keep the story brief.)   I love this piece of history because it points out just what is possible when we choose to change our focus, act with kindness, and celebrate the good.  

The Christmas Truce     
by Aaron Shepard

                                                                                                        Christmas Day, 1914

My dear sister Janet,

It is 2:00 in the morning and most of our men are asleep in their dugouts—yet I could not sleep myself before writing to you of the wonderful events of Christmas Eve. In truth, what happened seems almost like a fairy tale, and if I hadn’t been through it myself, I would scarce believe it. Just imagine: While you and the family sang carols before the fire there in London, I did the same with enemy soldiers here on the battlefields of France!

As I wrote before, there has been little serious fighting of late. The first battles of the war left so many dead that both sides have held back until replacements could come from home. So we have mostly stayed in our trenches and waited.

But what a terrible waiting it has been! Knowing that any moment an artillery shell might land and explode beside us in the trench, killing or maiming several men. And in daylight not daring to lift our heads above ground, for fear of a sniper’s bullet.

And the rain—it has fallen almost daily. Of course, it collects right in our trenches, where we must bail it out with pots and pans. And with the rain has come mud—a good foot or more deep. It splatters and cakes everything, and constantly sucks at our boots. One new recruit got his feet stuck in it, and then his hands too when he tried to get out....
Through all this, we couldn’t help feeling curious about the German soldiers across the way. After all, they faced the same dangers we did, and slogged about in the same muck. What’s more, their first trench was only 50 yards from ours. Between us lay No Man’s Land, bordered on both sides by barbed wire—yet they were close enough we sometimes heard their voices.

Of course, we hated them when they killed our friends. But other times, we joked about them and almost felt we had something in common. And now it seems they felt the same.

Just yesterday morning—Christmas Eve Day—we had our first good freeze. Cold as we were, we welcomed it, because at least the mud froze solid. Everything was tinged white with frost, while a bright sun shone over all. Perfect Christmas weather.

During the day, there was little shelling or rifle fire from either side. And as darkness fell on our Christmas Eve, the shooting stopped entirely. Our first complete silence in months! We hoped it might promise a peaceful holiday, but we didn’t count on it. We’d been told the Germans might attack and try to catch us off guard.

I went to the dugout to rest, and lying on my cot, I must have drifted asleep. All at once my friend John was shaking me awake, saying, “Come and see! See what the Germans are doing!” I grabbed my rifle, stumbled out into the trench, and stuck my head cautiously above the sandbags.

I never hope to see a stranger and more lovely sight. Clusters of tiny lights were shining all along the German line, left and right as far as the eye could see.

“What is it?” I asked in bewilderment, and John answered, “Christmas trees!”

And so it was. The Germans had placed Christmas trees in front of their trenches, lit by candle or lantern like beacons of good will.

And then we heard their voices raised in song.

Stille nacht, heilige nacht . . . .

This carol may not yet be familiar to us in Britain, but John knew it and translated: “Silent night, holy night.” I’ve never heard one lovelier—or more meaningful, in that quiet, clear night, its dark softened by a first-quarter moon.

When the song finished, the men in our trenches applauded. Yes, British soldiers applauding Germans! Then one of our own men started singing, and we all joined in.

The first Nowell, the angel did say . . . .

In truth, we sounded not nearly as good as the Germans, with their fine harmonies. But they responded with enthusiastic applause of their own and then began another.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum . . . .

Then we replied.

O come all ye faithful . . . .

But this time they joined in, singing the same words in Latin.

Adeste fideles . . . .

British and German harmonizing across No Man’s Land! I would have thought nothing could be more amazing—but what came next was more so.

“English, come over!” we heard one of them shout. “You no shoot, we no shoot.”

There in the trenches, we looked at each other in bewilderment. Then one of us shouted jokingly, “You come over here.”

To our astonishment, we saw two figures rise from the trench, climb over their barbed wire, and advance unprotected across No Man’s Land. One of them called, “Send officer to talk.”

I saw one of our men lift his rifle to the ready, and no doubt others did the same—but our captain called out, “Hold your fire.” Then he climbed out and went to meet the Germans halfway. We heard them talking, and a few minutes later, the captain came back with a German cigar in his mouth!

“We’ve agreed there will be no shooting before midnight tomorrow,” he announced. “But sentries are to remain on duty, and the rest of you, stay alert.”

Across the way, we could make out groups of two or three men starting out of trenches and coming toward us. Then some of us were climbing out too, and in minutes more, there we were in No Man’s Land, over a hundred soldiers and officers of each side, shaking hands with men we’d been trying to kill just hours earlier!

Before long a bonfire was built, and around it we mingled—British khaki and German grey. I must say, the Germans were the better dressed, with fresh uniforms for the holiday....

Even those who could not converse could still exchange gifts—our cigarettes for their cigars, our tea for their coffee, our corned beef for their sausage. Badges and buttons from uniforms changed owners, and one of our lads walked off with the infamous spiked helmet! I myself traded a jackknife for a leather equipment belt—a fine souvenir to show when I get home.

Newspapers too changed hands, and the Germans howled with laughter at ours. They assured us that France was finished and Russia nearly beaten too. We told them that was nonsense, and one of them said, “Well, you believe your newspapers and we’ll believe ours.”

Clearly they are lied to—yet after meeting these men, I wonder how truthful our own newspapers have been. These are not the “savage barbarians” we’ve read so much about. They are men with homes and families, hopes and fears, principles and, yes, love of country. In other words, men like ourselves. Why are we led to believe otherwise?

As it grew late, a few more songs were traded around the fire, and then all joined in for—I am not lying to you—“Auld Lang Syne.” Then we parted with promises to meet again tomorrow, and even some talk of a football match.

I was just starting back to the trenches when an older German clutched my arm. “My God,” he said, “why cannot we have peace and all go home?”

I told him gently, “That you must ask your emperor.”

He looked at me then, searchingly. “Perhaps, my friend. But also we must ask our hearts.”

And so, dear sister, tell me, has there ever been such a Christmas Eve in all history? And what does it all mean, this impossible befriending of enemies?

For the fighting here, of course, it means regrettably little. Decent fellows those soldiers may be, but they follow orders and we do the same. Besides, we are here to stop their army and send it home, and never could we shirk that duty.

Still, one cannot help imagine what would happen if the spirit shown here were caught by the nations of the world. Of course, disputes must always arise. But what if our leaders were to offer well wishes in place of warnings? Songs in place of slurs? Presents in place of reprisals? Would not all war end at once?

All nations say they want peace. Yet on this Christmas morning, I wonder if we want it quite enough.

Your Loving Brother                  Tom

Let there be peace on earth, and gratitude in our hearts.  The Christmas Truce of 1914 reminds us that goodwill is possible; that there are good people everywhere, and we are all pretty much the same in our desires.  We all want to be respected, appreciated, cared for, and understood.  These are gifts we can all give to one another during this Christmas season, and--if we are wise--always.



The Christmas Truce was printed in Australia’s School Magazine, Apr. 2001.  (Copyright © 2001, 2003 by Aaron Shepard. May be freely copied and shared for any noncommercial purpose.)  

SALE on e-book, Gratitude's Transcending Power

As I've studied gratitude, I've been amazed at just how powerful it can be as a tool for improving our lives and relationships.  In fact, I've been so impressed by gratitude's potential to enrich life, that I've developed a passion for letting others know how important this attribute is. 

As a full time caregiver to my husband, who has Parkinson's disease, I've come to know that the daily exercise of gratitude can make the difference in whether I have a negative, defeated attitude, or a happy, positive outlook in spite of the challenges my husband and I face.  Based on examples I've seen throughout my life, and information I've gained through my research, I've learn strategies for quickly lifting myself out of the slide into self pity, and focusing on all I have to be grateful for--which is a lot!   

Scientific studies have proven that gratitude can be a valuable method for enhancing health and happiness.  My own journey in life has convinced me that this is true.  The practice of gratitude can change our hearts and our outlook for the better, no matter what our circumstances.  Because I believe this so strongly, I write this blog, and I've written and updated my book.  This information is just too important, and too good to brush aside, thinking that everyone knows how important gratitude is, or that everyone understands the impact it can have on their life.

I'm excited to let my readers know that my distributor, Smithcreek Distribution, has  approved a special sale on my e-book, Gratitude's Transcending Power, at just $3.99.  As you might have noticed in the advertisement in the side bar, this version of the book is available at Smashwords.com and at the Amazon Kindle Store.   Smashwords makes the book available in a number of downloadable e-book formats.  So, if you don't have a Kindle, you can still download it to whatever reader you may have. Go to this link:   https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/373045

Believing that gratitude is an attribute worthy of developing and incorporating more fully into our lives, I am especially happy that we are running this sale.  I think it is a wonderful opportunity, at this low price, for everyone to be able to explore a variety of life changing ways to practice gratitude.  One of the things I've heard repeatedly by those who read the first edition of the book is, "I never realized there were so many benefits to the practice of gratitude, and the improvements it could make in my life!"

I know that as you thoughtfully and routinely employ this attribute, you will come to understand the value of Gratitude's Transcending Power, and it will make a significant difference in your life,too!

Christ is the Reason

It seems incredible that the year has flown by. Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas looms large on the horizon.  Maybe it's my age, but the days just seem to vanish almost before they've arrived, and one happy event is barely over before another is about to be celebrated. 

True, slick marketing is designed to leave little time between my two favorite holidays.  Even as a child, I had hardly finished my last piece of Thanksgiving pie before Santa Claus would visit our town.  There he was, at the end of November, riding down the street in a firetruck, throwing candy to all the kids, waving and yelling "Ho, Ho, Ho!!"  I loved it.  It was a thrilling way to start the Christmas season, and to have missed his entrance would have been unimaginable to me.  For an entire month I was filled with anticipation.  I would sit on the sofa, flanked by my sisters, and leaf through the Sears catalog.  Though we knew that our widowed mom couldn't afford much, half the fun of the holiday was imagining the gifts that might be granted.  Just the thought of unwrapping a paint set, a doll, or a new box of crayons and a coloring book was enough to make me crazy with excitement.  It's odd that I don't remember any other presents, because I'm sure there were others under the tree.  For some reason, it was these simple gifts that held the greatest meaning to me.  They were the treasures I would use again and again, and enjoy over and over as the months slipped by.  

Yet, there were other things about the season that settled into my heart  and formed the foundation of how I saw--and would always see--this most special time of year. St. Michael's Catholic Church always had a large nativity scene on the front lawn.  In every Christian  church in town congregations could be heard singing the hymns of the season, and the ringing of the church bells was a sweet reminder of Christ's birth as their chimes filled the Sunday morning air with Christmas carols.  In those moments it seemed that all thoughts had turned to the blessed Savior and His birth.  In my own church, when the organ began to play and the first strains of Silent Night filled the hall, Santa was all but forgotten.  In mind and heart I was transported across two thousand years, and for a while I lingered in a far away place called Bethlehem.  The feelings were deep, the emotional and spiritual connections were real.  I knew this was no story made up to quell my fears about life, or to give me some kind of false hope for my future.  Jesus Christ really had been born in a stable to humble parents, visited by shepherds, sought after by wise men.  He really had lived and labored to teach love, forgiveness, and faith.  He was real, His message of peace was real; His injunction to "Come, follow me" was real; just as real now, looking back over two thousand years, as it had been when He raised the dead, healed the blind, forgave the sinner, and died that I might live.  As I joined in the singing, all was calm, all was bright, for I knew that Jesus Christ was the reason for these joy filled words; and in spite of all the frenetic activity that might be going on during the rest of the week, peace filled my heart.  No doubt, the music helped to instill that sacred sense.  However, more than the music and the love expressed during the season, I knew it was the Savior, His life and His message of hope, that inspired such deep feelings of peace.   

Today, as I approach this special season, I still feel that peace.  As I buy and wrap gifts, prepare food to serve to loved ones, decorate the house, and sing Christmas hymns, I know there is more to these activities than the outward motions.  Christ is present in these expressions of love and giving.  He is at the heart of the preparations and plans, for He is the embodiment of giving and love.  He is the reason for the season, and the meaning behind it all. 

Lasting Gifts of the Season

How are your Christmas preparations coming?   I hope they are well on their way and all you are doing is designed to remember the Savior's birth and life, putting His Spirit into the season.  As we think of our family and loved ones, and our gifts to them, I hope we will also think of those who may not have family to share the holiday, those who might be suffering from a loss, or who are in need in some other way.

As I have read posts from Facebook friends, I've come across several ideas for sharing the holiday.  Here are a few:   My cousin, Lois, in Rhode Island, wrote:   
I started doing (Christmas cards for soldiers) as a Community service project through the Grange- an organization I belong to. They did it for 2 years and then took up another project.. I really liked this idea and after seeing so many of our young soldiers returning home from the war missing arms and legs, blind, etc. I decided it was something I wanted to keep doing..The address I have is : Holiday Mail For Heroes P.O.Box 5456 Capitol Heights, Md. 20791_5456. They like them as early in December as possible so they can check them. I guess they've found traces of powder and other things that could hurt the Soldiers.

Sheila, a friend in Montana gave this suggestion:  I...send magazines called Guidepost and Angels, and craft kits to wound warriors.You can go to Guidepost web site and find out about them.  (Check out) paralyzed veterans, in Wilton,NH.   They send address labels to people for a $3.00 Donation.   They gave me the place to send money for the craft kits........It's kind of nice I have gotten thank you cards from those who recieved kits.

A Florida friend, Mary Anne, posted this:  sent hubby about town making donations to organizations near and dear to us...prepping the grandkids on how to share and this season...participating in the school food drive and dropped off a few gift certificates for late comers...and it is only the beginning of December...I am sure other projects will move me over the coming days... and as always daily prayers and gathering with like minded friends and family for a Christ driven Christmas.

As we prepare our homes and hearts for this season of giving, we may find there are meaningful gifts that cannot be placed in a box and wrapped in paper.  As I attempt to put away my own feelings of selfishness, I find myself asking the questions:  "What would Christ do?  How would He reach out to others?  What would His perfect eyes see?  What service would His perfect hands perform?"  

Is there a widow down the street who is lonely?  Is there someone I know who is confined to a nursing home?  Is there a caregiver who could use a break to do some holiday shopping?  None of these gifts costs us anything but a bit of our time.  Although they have no price tag, they are priceless acts of service that have a lasting impact.  They are gifts that will be cherished and appreciated, by those who receive them, but also by those who give them, long after the holidays have ended, and right on, into the New Year.

Happy Holidays, and Happy Christmas Preparations!! 

Enjoying Life's Greatest Gifts

I hope all of us enjoyed a wonderful weekend, celebrating our blessings and spending time with family.  Unfortunately, we hardly had time to begin digesting Thanksgiving dinner when every major department store and electronics chain was beckoning (screaming) at us to come and take advantage of their sales.  I'm not one to listen to the Siren's call, but I know that many others do, and enjoy a bundle of savings for their troubles.  I'm more of a slow paced gal.  I love to peruse a nearly empty shop, smile at other customers, say hello, make some small talk, and linger over my purchasing decisions. 

So what did I do this weekend, if not shop???  Well, in all honesty, I did go to one store on Friday--a crafts store that was doing a booming business.  I needed a scrap booking album, and found a great buy.  I picked up a couple of other sales as well, but I did it in Sharon mode: Stopped to chat with a couple of women who were also looking at the albums.  Browsed the store for gift ideas, carefully maneuvering around other customers, smiling and ignoring the traffic problems.  Stood in a   l--o--n--g   line, which moved rather quickly (thank you Michaels for having plenty of staff on hand) and effortlessly to the check out stands as I made small talk with the ladies behind me.  It was a pleasant, if crowded, experience.

What of the remainder of the long weekend?  I cleaned the house, borrowed movies from a neighbor, and caught up on my ironing.  Yes, I know, I'm old fashioned and I still iron.  But I got it done--all in the presence of Cary Grant.  It was great!!  On Sunday I attended worship services, and was happy that my husband was up to going, too.   However, the highlight of our weekend was spending some time with family as Lynn (my husband) got to visit with his sister at the naming and blessing of a newborn great nephew (kind of like a christening, but no baptism involved.  That comes later--at age 8).  Chubby little Cohen is the latest addition to a family of (now) four boys and a girl.  It is so exciting to see a wee one come into a home where love is strong and family ties are thoughtfully made and carefully secured to last forever.  

So, as I kicked off the Christmas shopping season, it was pretty devoid of shopping, but there was a lot of Christmas spirit, because the Christmas spirit is the spirit of Christ's love.  I felt a lot of that!   As I watched Cohen's big brother, Mason, tickle and admire him, I was reminded of what really matters. Black Friday deals come and go, but strong families and new babies are the best gifts anyone could ask for.

Share the Joy

As many of us spend our day baking, reviewing our menu, decorating the house, and thinking about tomorrow's feast, our hearts will be feeling the joy that only this special season can bring.  I've been asking myself if I fully appreciate that not everyone feels so joyful during the holidays.  Am I aware of others and their needs and feelings?  Do I take the time to consider that not everyone will spend the day baking, singing, listening to music, and anticipating a bountiful day of happiness with family or friends?


Most of us are blessed to have someone with whom we can spend Thanksgiving Day.  We will be feasting, playing games, watching Macy's parade and maybe enjoying a movie.  (My favorites are Miracle on 34th Street and The Polar Express.) All of these traditions just seem to be a part of our culture and a slice of the life we've come to expect.  As we enjoy these pastimes, I want to encourage us to consider those who may not be so blessed, may not have a family with whom they can spend the day, may not have food to fill their stomachs--much less turkey and dressing, pies and salads and stuffing. 

Today, as we enjoy the preparations and traditions, I would like to encourage all of us to also think of one thing we might do on Thanksgiving, or during the holiday weekend, to bless someone who isn't as fortunate;  someone who may not have family close by; may not be able to look forward to a feast with all its trimmings; may be suffering from depression, loneliness, or lack of some other kind.  Then, do that one thing.

Some Ideas:

• invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner
• deliver a plate of turkey and trimmings to a shut in
• deliver a pie or other treat to someone whose influence you appreciate
• visit an elderly neighbor or shut in who is lonely 
• drop off a bottle of sparkling cider to someone who has helped you during the year
• invite someone to share a movie on Thanksgiving evening or play a game with your family
• bring a bag of food to the local food bank or drop one into the collection box at the supermarket
• make a donation to Toys for Tots
• invite a neighbor to take a walk and spend some time letting them know how much you appreciate them.  
• call a friend you haven't spoken to in awhile and express your love
• invite a single or elderly friend to help you decorate your home--or bring a decoration to theirs!

I'm sure you can think of other ideas, as well.  
This is a time of year when we can get so caught up in all the joy and preparations of the holidays that we forget there are those who really need what we have to give. While it is wonderful to celebrate and feel the happiness of the season, I just want to encourage us (yes, me too) to remember Snoopy's advice and share that joy with others. 

Gratitude in the Trenches

As we count down to Thanksgiving, I think I will dispense with answering a question, and spend this week expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the gifts I've been given.  There are always the "easy" blessings to recount and give thanks for.  For me, those are: beautiful children and grandchildren, friends, a warm home, healthy food in abundance, and life in the greatest nation on earth.  I have so much to appreciate.

Yet, more than these obvious blessings, there are the not so apparent gifts that lie shrouded in the difficulties of my life. What of the events that challenge me, my values, my patience?  Am I thankful for them and the lessons they teach?  Who would I be, really, if I never had to exert myself to exercise forgiveness and patience; never had to assess what I believe; never had to humble myself in prayer; never had to employ my work ethic?

I wonder, what kind of life would I have without gratitude?   What kind of person would I be if every time I desired a blessing it was given to me?  No work, no challenge, no effort.  Would I be grateful?  What if every friendship came as something due to me in the course of my life?  What if I never gave back, never extended encouragement, never showed up for other peoples' special occasions, and everyone always agreed with me?  What if I was fed, clothed, housed, and cared for without any effort on my part?  Would I appreciate these blessings?

Our Pilgrim forefathers and mothers saw challenges aplenty.  They suffered harsh winters, left behind family and friends in their mother lands, and watched loved ones die.  Nevertheless, they still knelt in humble prayer and thanksgiving.  They celebrated the blessings they received, though they had reason to bitterly lament the trials they suffered.  They embraced the help afforded them by their Native American friends who taught them to plant corn, and helped them through their first years of settlement in a new land, and they were grateful.

It's so easy to express appreciation when the sun shines on our life, and our circumstances are fine.  However, that's not the sum total of all that comprises our lives.  Like the pilgrims, we each have our landings in new and unexplored places.  We each face our own bitter winters and deprivations.  Are we grateful for these challenges and for the lessons they teach us, for the values they test, for the way they change our hearts?  Are we grateful for the friends who help us through these times until we can get acclimated to our new circumstances?

When our gratitude focuses on the wonderful blessings that grace our lives with ease and happiness, that is good.  When it becomes a power that is so internalized that it can transcend even the harsh circumstances of life, that is better.  This Thanksgiving, as we celebrate all that affords us joy and ease, I hope we will also take time to examine our difficulties and give thanks for what those circumstances are teaching us; how they are changing us; and the new and better people we can become because of our trials.

Gratitude at Home

This is such a wonderful time of year.  As we look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas we can get downright giddy with excitement!  It's interesting that here, in the Northern Hemisphere, these special holidays come as nature assaults us with bone chilling wind, rain and snow.  The contrast, as we step into the warmth of home, can give us an especially keen sense of appreciation.  Add to that the smell of homemade soup, pie, and other seasonal foods that might be filling the air, and we feel even more embraced in cozy warmth and comfort.  At this time of year, home takes on an almost magical air, and we wish we could feel these feelings all year long.  So, today's question is:

How can I encourage gratitude at home? 

Have you ever noticed that it can be much easier to feel grateful and be a good example when you are out in public?  Home should be our haven, right?   In reality, it is often the place where stress levels are high and we forget our manners: kids are being kids (i.e. noisy and rambunctious), tempers flare, and patience seems hard to come by.  Here are a dozen simple ideas for changing the atmosphere and restoring peace and gratitude:

• Make the bed for a family member who was in a hurry this morning.  If you have time, leave a note.  Something simple like:  "The bed making fairy was here."
• Talk to your child about the day he or she was born, and the excitement you felt with his arrival.
• Put the children to bed early (or leave them with a neighbor) and make your wife a candlelight dinner.  Keep the conversation positive and focused on what's important to her.
• Fix your husband breakfast and bring it to him in bed.  Discuss his plans for the day.
• Ask your spouse or child what his/her most cherished dream is.  Consider how you can help it come true.
• Find a jar, decorate it, and place some positive words inside, each on a seperate slip of paper:  happy; smile; thanks; fortunate; beautiful; capable; friendly; appreciated;  peaceful; nurturing; accomplished; abundant, etc.  Remove one word each day and use it in your conversations.
• Have a special family night where everyone is given the opportunity to express one thing they admire about each family member.  No one is allowed to repeat what someone else has said. Sit in a circle and let everyone take a turn.  When our children were growing up we did this once or twice a year. 
• Read bedtime stories instead of watching television.
• Work side by side with your child doing household chores.  Talk about your child's day, or take time to express some things you notice and admire about him/her. 
• Have a one-on-one ice cream date with a child or your spouse.
• Sing songs together
• Play a game one-on-one with another family member, or as a family.

Make it a habit to mix these and other ideas into your weekly routine.  They will help create an atmosphere of love and appreciation that is a gift, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year!