I am unabashedly Christian. But I am a citizen of the world and have noted that virtually every nationality, culture, religion and human endeavor has at least one holiday this time of the year. So we’d like to think that it is both proper and desirable to use this season of the year to uplift all our brothers and sisters in this world we share together, and it should be easier this time of year to set aside our differences and celebrate our commonalities. I’ve traveled much of the world and find that when we get down to one-on-one we share many common interests: the love of food, family and fun; the desire to live in peace and pursue our dreams; a desire to enjoy, protect and care for the earth on which we share our limited span of days; and the enjoyment of sharing what we have with those around us. So this month we are spotlighting our “alikeness.” Here are some things we may consider:

Holiday foods are special in every culture. They usually include things we may only enjoy once a year. I have another blog that gives you the ingredients and preparation for Wassail or Mulled cider that we enjoy in our home. Lebkuchens from Germany are favorites; we enjoyed Baklava in Greece and Turkey; we love buttered yams and citrus fruits we get from friends from Ghana; Luqaimat (a honey drizzled dumpling) from Saudi Arabia is delightful; I enjoyed Red Papaya for breakfast every morning in Thailand; and my American list of favorites is myriad! Every country and every culture has its delights and I’m a “foody” and would love to try them all.

Because the holidays are often associated with events with family and friends, it may often be a difficult time for many as well. Those with recent losses of family members, close friends, jobs, resources, and other meaningful things in their lives may need a special lift at this time of year. You can do tremendous good by being sensitive to these folks. Visit a nursing home with just cookies and Time to Talk and Listen! My first gift to each grandchild every year is a card telling them a goat has been given to a woman in a third world country in their name. It is the most important gift I give them! Practice and teach charity as a way of life.

Learn to be a good caretaker of our planet. Make “earth-friendly” a way of life. If you use live trees, get one with roots and plant it after the holidays. If yours was cut down, chip it up after the holidays and recycle it as compost or mulch. Make edible ornaments and use them in your gatherings, or use them as gifts. And don’t forget the wildlife when you choose trees and ornaments.

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is “gifting”. Make your gifts special – match them with something meaningful or “special” for the individual. It takes time, but the time is the most special part for most of us. And while gift cards are very popular these days, try to find unique ones. Food cards may be useful and needed by many on your list, as are clothing items, but also consider things like spa services, travel allowances, store cards to help bear the burden of needed vitamins and supplements.

The greatest gift you can give at ANY time of the year is “LOVE’ – and we spell that T-I-M-E! Life is busy; time is precious; and time, once spent, is not recoverable. Make every minute count and show others how important they are to you by gifting them with your very precious time.

For more ideas on this subject check out our staff blogs for this month on our website. Enjoy good health and God’s richest blessings. Gen.1:29.

Randy Lee, ND, Owner, The Health Patch, 1024 S. Douglas Blvd, MWC 73130, phone/fax: 736-1030, e-mail: pawpaw@thehealthpatch.com. See our blogs and podcasts at www.TheHealthPatch.com. Our full staff are now offering affordable private consultations – call to schedule yours!