Sharing the Holiday Spirit

Sharing the Holiday Spirit

      I’ve found over the past few years that the thing I enjoy most about the holiday season is that it brings out the best in most of us.
      Between Halloween and the New Year, the holidays offer us the chance to let our best, most charitable selves shine.
      We come together to reflect on the events of the past year - celebrating the joys, mourning the losses - and face the future renewed by the bonds we share with those in our lives.
      There are several ways you can share the spirit of the holidays and enhance its meaning in your own life.
      Several worthy organizations could use assistance, whether it be financial support or donations of time and talent.   
      Giving isn’t just for the wealthy.
      Those of us in dire straits … unemployed, uninsured, unsure of the “adventures” that lie ahead, can get caught up in the uncertainties of our own lives, and create even more stress and anxiety.
      Finding a way to step outside of your problems and think about someone else’s concerns is a great way to avoid adding to your angst.
      I lost my job a year ago.
      One of the most rewarding things I did over the past year was organize two events that raised over $4,000 for the Chemung County Humane Society and S.P.C.A.
      With the help of good friends, generous with their time and their talents, we provided an affordable evening of entertainment and fun while raising some cash for the critters.
      The generosity of those who helped organize the benefits, the local businesses who donated gifts for the silent auctions and door prizes, the performers, and those who came out and supported our event, has buoyed my spirits throughout the year. It’s given me faith in my fellow Homo sapiens. Knowing that I helped raise money for a cause I believe in gives me faith that at some point - hopefully, in the near future - my life will be headed in an exciting and worthy new direction.
      Until then, I’ll keep forging my own path through the jungle of life: Looking for a job, enjoying the extra time I can spend with family and friends, and finding more creative and fun ways to get involved in my community.
      So, spread the spirit of the season, and magnify those feelings of goodwill throughout the holidays.

Here are some ways you can begin making a difference in someone else’s life:
- WETM-TV has joined with His Tabernacle Family Church to bring a Blizzard of Blankets to those in need. You have until Tuesday, Dec. 15 to drop off a new blanket at either WETM’s offices or at the Horseheads church. I know it’s short notice, but if you think you want to participate contact the church or TV station and see what they can do. Or take your donation to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or another organization that aids the needy.

- Arctic League
- Food Bank of the Southern Tier, and other local food shelters
- Chemung County Humane Society and S.P.C.A., and other animal shelters throughout the area
- American Red Cross
- Goodies for Our Troops
- Friends of the Chemung River Watershed, Inc.
- Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum/Spencer Crest Nature Center

Here are a couple of online sites to check out:
- The United Nations World Food Programme - Billion4Billion campaign
- Let's Say Thanks

Have a jolly time at these “Holiday Happenings”:
- The Arnot Mall in Big Flats will have several holiday performances from area musical and performance groups throughout December. Visit the link to find out when the performances are held to remind you what the holiday spirit is really about while you‘re fighting the shopping crowds this season.

- The Corning Museum of Glass will get you in a jolly spirit at 2300 Degrees: Home Cookin’, which takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. Enjoy great tunes performed by the Sim Redmond Band, hot glass shows, treats to nosh and more. The event is free. CMOG has several great events that can help you with your holiday gift giving so be sure to check out the link for a schedule.

- Ring in the New Year at a swanky soiree at the Clemens Center in downtown Elmira. Enjoy dance music from the 1940s to today, live performances by female impersonators, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and more. Tickets are $100 per couple, $60 per person. Tickets are sold until Thursday, Dec. 17, so get yours today by calling (607) 731-7953, 259-1330, or 767-1735, or visit the Web site.

- You could also bid adieu to 2009 at Club Chill on West Fifth Street in Elmira. The New Year’s Eve bash starts at 10 p.m. and includes a drag show, dance music with DJ Alex, a buffet and champagne toast. Cost is $7 over age 21, $12 under age 21.

- Tickets to the Ninth annual Wine on Ice 2010 at the First Arena in Elmira would be a great gift for the oenophile in your life. The event, held Jan. 22 and 23, includes food and wine tastings, entertainment and more.