Plus, the arrival of Hanukkah, making fragrant Christmas decorations, the Geminids, and more!
| | | Thank you, Christine Sykes Gable in Grand Teton National Park, for this week's cover image! | | As we settle into the holiday season, we invite you to take a step back from the usual chaos, expectations, and shopping and celebrate joy and togetherness through 12 Days of Kindness. |
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Day 1: Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Even just a quick connection can brighten someone’s day.
Day 2: Do a chore for someone. Do the dishes when it isn’t your “night,” offer to pick up groceries for your neighbor, or perform any random act of kindness that shows you care.
Day 3: Leave a thank-you note for your postal worker. They’ve worked hard this year and deserve our gratitude.
Day 4: Make a gift for someone. What are you good at? Use that talent to handcraft a keepsake.
Day 5: Feed the birds. It’s getting colder and food is getting more scarce (not all birds fly south!). Sprinkle seed outside or, better yet, fill a feeder!
Day 6: Give to an animal shelter. Many can use cash donations or basic supplies to make sure our furry friends have a healthy holiday.
Day 7: Thank a veteran. Pearl Harbor Day is tomorrow, December 7. It’s a good time to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by all our veterans.
Day 8: Make dinner for a neighbor, family member, or someone in need.
Day 9: Give someone a compliment. Sometimes just a little unexpected praise can make all the difference.
Day 10: Shop local. Buy from your local bookstores (hint: many carry the Almanac!), artisans, and retail stores. Many have online stores that make it as easy to shop as from certain big name sites!
Day 11: Donate to a food bank. It’s no secret that food banks are stretched thin this time of year—even more so in 2020.
Day 12: Do something nice for yourself. A part of being there for others is taking care of yourself. |
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Do one of these simple acts every day or several all at once. Get the kids in your life involved to teach about the true spirit of the season, which shouldn’t be all about grand gestures or extravagant gifts, but the simple kindnesses that connect us all.
The holiday season is also defined by traditions, including St. Nicholas Day. Did you remember to leave out your shoes last night?
Hanukkah begins on December 10 at sundown. Celebrate with traditional recipes, like latkes and Walnut Raspberry Rugelach.
As you begin to decorate the house for Christmas, consider making a fragrant Pomander, a citrus fruit adorned with cloves and other spices.
Finally, no matter how you mark this time of year, what we all share is the big night sky. On December 13, the great Geminid Meteor Shower will hit its peak of greatness, providing a great show for all.
As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always.
Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac |
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| “I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”—William Penn (1644-1718), founder of the English North American colony the Province of Pennsylvania |
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