​Two old friends met each other on the street one day.  One looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears.  His friend asked, “What has the world done to you, my old friend?”

​The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you:  three weeks ago, my uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars.”
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“That’s a lot of money.”

“But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand dollars, free and clear.”

“Sounds to me that you’ve been very blessed.”

“You don’t understand!” he interrupted.  “Last week my great-aunt passed away.  I inherited almost a quarter of a million from her.”

Now the man’s friend was really confused.  “Then, why do you look so glum?”

“This week . . . nothing!”

That’s a problem with receiving something on a regular basis.  Even if it is a gift, we eventually come to expect it.  The natural tendency is that if we receive a gift long enough, we come to view it almost as an entitlement.  We feel hurt, even angry, if we don’t receive it any longer.

It is the same way with the blessings God gives us every day.  I don’t deserve my comfortable home that I live in, the beautiful scenery around me, the clean water I drink.  But after receiving these gifts (and a multitude of others) for years, I sometimes fail to be grateful.  I’ve come to expect these good things.  And when one of them is removed for a short time (like water or electricity or internet going down), I get upset.

Let’s make an effort today to recognize the blessing we’ve come to take for granted.  Focus on what we have rather than on what we don’t have, and see if it doesn’t improve our attitudes.

​Now that 2018 is here, let's work on generations communicating more with one another! We start by having some quality time together.

​If giving is an important aspect of your holiday traditions, you may find yourself repeating the same activities year after year. While the giving feels good, it can also grow monotonous. This season, make your generosity feel fresh and new by putting your own unique twist on your favorite holiday traditions.
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​Travel with care

As you flit from one place to the next checking off your list of holiday chores, you may encounter any number of homeless and needy families. Instead of simply handing over a few dollars as you pass by, keep a supply of holiday care packages in the car. Include items like warm socks or gloves, toiletries and non-perishable snacks. You may even want to include an uplifting note to share some festive seasonal cheer.

No matter which cause you support, a fresh approach to your charitable giving can renew your spirit and enthusiasm for helping those in need this holiday season.

​Part of the magic of the holiday season is making wishes come true, not only for your loved ones but for others in the community, too. Show children how rewarding it is to embrace the true spirit of generosity and compassion this holiday season with these activities that make giving back fun.​

​Set the stage

With the aid of modern technology, you can introduce kids to the goodness of giving with a century-old story about the impact of love and kindness. Nearly 120 years ago, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the “New York Sun” newspaper asking if there really was a Santa Claus.
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​“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” wrote the paper’s editor, Francis P. Church. “He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.”  Now fans of this heart-warming story can learn more by tuning in to watch the “Yes, Virginia” animated film online at youtube.com/macys. 

​The award-winning, half-hour holiday special features Taylor Hay, a former Make-A-Wish child who had her own wish granted when her voice was captured for one of the film’s characters, alongside an all-star cast including Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alfred Molina and Beatrice Miller.

Get hands-on

No matter what type of giving activity your family chooses, there’s undoubtedly a way for kids to get involved. Whether it’s helping select toys for an adopted family or making cards to include in care packages for children who will spend this holiday in the hospital, find ways to let your little ones put their own special touch on the project. Not only can they learn through the example of doing, they’ll get to revel in the same feel-good vibes you get from a simple act of kindness.

Source Parentmap.com

​Holiday joy is often overshadowed by frenzy surrounded by wanting to be joyful instead of a “deeper sense” of “feeling” joyful! The excitement of wanting to make someone joyful comes from an inward desire to please & has nothing to do with—“if I do this to bring joy to you; then you will do something to bring joy to, me!” Instead, it is completely, selfless!​

​I find nothing more fulfilling than being part of a “joyful synergy” that focuses entirely on bringing people to their “joy” place! Surviving through pain & disappointment can intensify the desire to create environments where “joy” abounds!  The deeper the loss of joy, the deeper the appreciation for the joy as it resurfaces. The desire to continue to recreate an atmosphere of joy also increases.

So, this is what makes holidays important to me! I didn’t always feel this way. Many years I sought to ignore holidays! “Just another day,” I’d say.  But working all the time, participating in conversations only work related or what’s “bad” about the world impedes “joy!” it’s wonderful to have a time to feel almost childlike! Lighthearted! Energized by laughter!

HCC is presently creating a “fresh new” look & will return in 2018! As we approach 2018, it’s not too early to begin conditioning for the “joy” journey the Holiday Celebration Club was created for.  We’ve celebrated another Thanksgiving; an ideal concept for all Holiday Celebration Club “family style gatherings!”—Although we will not meet again until 2018, our joy is still hammering away to make the time when we do, worth the wait. Until then, let’s stay connected! Share your stories as you make your “joy” connections! By doing so, you may be inspiring others to share a “joy” moment with others!

If you find yourself unable to connect to the “joy” you seek? Join the HCC of “joy” seekers! We are growing in numbers! We are reaching for each other! Make us your place to connect! There are many who have come to a place of “inner peace” and are perfectly willing to share what they know on “how to find that joy place.” It usually comes with “age,” although not always! All ages can bring something to the table! It all depends on the journey you experience. We are an “ageless” group! If you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s & up, let us talk to each other!

Get started on the “joy” journey:

• Sign up for our Newsletter

Here are a few movies that express the bittersweet road to the “joy” we seek! Feel free to email us your favorites!

• Forrest Gump
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Now Voyager

​AS WE MOVE FORWARD – TALK TO SOMEONE OF ANOTHER GENERATION!
FIND OUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT EACH OTHER – THEN SHARE YOUR STORIES!

​Are you one of those folks who find it hard to bask in the fun and goodness of holidays? If so, you would want to quit being a closeted scrooge and give yourself the luxury of enjoying all that this season has to offer.

​For the most part, we know you might have one or two reasons why you hate the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day and of course, Christmas. Speaking of which, Christmas is already on its way, and you'll probably be hearing the beautiful festive songs anytime soon.

We're very much aware that certain life changes can the holiday season seem like every other day — such things can make it feel more melancholy than joyful. For instance, Christmas may feel a bit un-Christmasy if you've been having a rough time at work or your kids are far away — you know better.

Whichever the case may be, you still need to come out of the closet and celebrate the season in whatever way that tickles your fancy. In essence, you don't have to stick to holiday traditions — you can create yours and have a great time until the days finally begin growing longer again.

Trying to figure out ways to have a fun Christmas without hanging lights or baking cookies? Don't fret; we got you covered! We hope these suggestions help you enjoy yourself without feeling like a fraud.

1. Don't Force Yourself
For starters, look within and pinpoint those things you just can't stand during the holiday season. It's pretty obvious that some folks hate the idea of shopping at crowded malls — if this is you, just stick to buying things online. Moreover, if visiting family and exchanging pleasantries drives you crazy, we recommend keeping the visits as brief as possible — you don't have to stay all night!

2. See a Non-holiday Movie
There's no doubt that the movie theaters will be chock-full of Christmas-themed movies this holiday season, but the good thing is, you can still go to a non-holiday one. In essence, there are lots of great movies in theaters every year that are not related to the holiday season in any way. It's also an excellent idea to stick to a movie theater that isn't located in a mall especially if you want to avoid holiday songs and the like.

3. Try Chinese Food
Don't want to eat roasted turkey or ham this Christmas? If yes, you're sure to have a blast with Chinese food! It's actually fun to eat Chinese food for Christmas, and we recommend you give it a shot. The best part is, Chinese restaurants are not overly crowded on major holidays — what more could you ask for?

4.  Visit the Spa
It's also an excellent idea to treat yourself to a spa day this holiday season — you're sure to have a pleasant experience. It's more like the perfect getaway from the cold and frantic holiday crowds.
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5. Help Someone
Finally, you can spend a few hours of your time at hospitals, shut-ins or animal shelters — you'll find people who may not be in the holiday mood, but can still benefit from your love and kindness. The good thing is, volunteering can lift your spirits and help you focus on other things besides endless Christmas decorations and carols.

So there you have it! These are just a few ways to enjoy this holiday season regardless of how blue you feel. All in all, just be sure to have a great time and always be tolerant of those who do love the holidays. Giving your friends and family your heartfelt good wishes is sure to go a long way!

​Stay tuned...we have several ways YOU can help! Also, save the date, September 24th as our next "Here's to Life" fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It is a day of "joy, inspiration & purpose!" You will leave refreshed, inspired and hopefully with an awareness on how important it is to take part in this effort for preventing suicide.

Martha Taylor LaCroix, HCC Founder

​As I told you at the Event there are not many places that are open on the Holidays not to mention the kindness and compassion you and the others provide at the Holiday Celebration Events. You and the others make the individuals coming to the Event feel like part of a Family.

Also appreciation goes out to the Band that takes their time and efforts to come and play during the Holidays. It was truly Amazing to hear You sing with Quinton Dennard, Rich Hills, Nolan Shaheed and Tony Dumas. In addition the Food was outstanding too. The Manager Bruce was Great in handling the large group of people that showed up.

Thanks again to all that helped you put this Event together. It made his Holiday Season more enjoyable.

Take care and Have a Safe and Wonderful New Year.

​Dan Davilla

​Featured guest Tiffany Bailey describes the joyous holiday feeling at HCC's Thanksgiving and Christmas events. As she says, "We all have open arms, we all want to see you, and hang out, and laugh, and have a great time!"

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Follow Tiffany's lead and come spend this Christmas with us at the Pioneer Cafe. We'll be overjoyed to see you there!

​Happy Birthday Davi Davenport! Your interviews during The Holiday Celebration Club, "Here's to Life!" event this September helped to make the event an amazing success!  To inform! To encourage!  And that is what you did! You have helped to save lives through your interviews on your Davi Davenport Live Show!
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- Martha Taylor LaCroix