The holiday season is in full swing and I love this time of year, where the
focus is on sharing love and laughter with friends and family, as well as giving
back and spreading joy to the community. After all, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and
Christmas are not about what you can “get,” but what you can give in celebration
of life’s blessings. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get off track. Our days are
chaotic and often stressful. The weather turns colder and drearier in many parts
of the world. The news is depressing and deafening. A couple weeks ago, I felt
myself slipping into old patterns and—dare I say it—dreading the holidays, which
wasn’t okay with me. So after brainstorming with my PR team, we came up with an
event that I hope will carry the happiness and hopefulness of the holiday season
straight into 2015.
I’m calling it #sightsandsounds of the holiday, and it involves me posting
a daily picture to my Facebook, Tsu, and Twitter accounts through New Year’s Day. The pictures
feature holiday-related things I’ve seen while out and about (running errands,
picking up kids, shopping, etc.) or at home while spending time with my family.
If I can get creative (and tech savvy) enough, I may also post a video or clip
of something I’ve heard (maybe a song that reminds me of childhood Christmases).
Really, anything holiday-related goes. It’s about staying present in the moment
and recognizing the love and joy around me.
How does this tie in with giving back? I’m glad you asked, and I promise it’s
something fun and easy. I’m hoping YOU can help me and join me in posting a
picture, video, or clip of something you’ve seen or heard while you’re out and
about this holiday season. You can post to your Facebook, Twitter, Tsu, blog,
Instagram, Tumblr or any other social media outlet. Use the #sightsandsounds
hashtag, too. Then, head over to my blog post and share the link to your post in the
comments, so that I can check it out. In addition, let me know what
charity/organization you’d like to see me donate funds to. For the first 100
comments, I am donating $250 to one lucky charity. After those first 100
comments, I will donate $1 per comment, up to a total of $1000 to a
charity/organization that came from your suggestions. See, I told you this would
be easy!
So, what do you say? Will you help me boost the positive energy levels this
holiday season? Many thanks, in advance, to all the wonderful readers and
authors who will help make this a memorable, magical holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Elley Arden
About the Author
Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah
and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight
exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and
believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Charming characters. Emotional stories. Sexy romance.
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