Christmas Joy: A Story of a Modern Day Santa Claus

There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus. ~Bob Phillips

The holiday season can be one of the most beautiful and loving times of the year. It is a magical time when our hearts are more open to give and think of others. Whether it is gifts, donations, or kindness, our giving brings us much of the joy we experience and associate with Christmas.

A man recently told me of an unexpected encounter he had with a homeless couple. He was on his way to work and planned to make a quick stop at a hardware store. As he walked in he saw a young man and woman carrying what appeared to be all their belongings in bags. He made brief contact with the couple and learned that they were on their way to the local homeless shelter. They were with a large group and had missed their ride when they made a stop. They asked the man for a ride. When he told them he was unable to give them a ride, they asked him for a couple of dollars for the bus. He gave it to them and wished them well. After he walked into the store, he had a strong desire to turn back to do more for them. He believed the couple was being truthful with him. He didn’t know how they got into the situation they were in, but his heart went out to them. He turned around and put a large bill into the young man’s hand. In complete surprise and gratitude, the young man began to weep and hugged the man who helped them. To this homeless couple, he was like Santa Claus; yet, he was an unexpected stranger who crossed their path and shared God’s love with them. That day, this modern-day Santa Claus brought some hope into those people’s lives and much joy into his own. Modern day Santas are some of the jolliest people around!

There is something magical about giving. It blesses everyone involved. Christmastime is one very special time, and one of many that we have to spread the good cheer and make someone’s day, week, month, or life brighter. Don’t wait until a special occasion to bring joy to others. Now is the time to give, love and experience some Christmas magic!


Somehow, not only for Christmas,
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others,
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing,
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart's possessing,
Returns to you glad.
~John Greenleaf Whittier

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. ~ W. C. Jones

 
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ~Hamilton Wright Mabi



Copyright © 2010 Krystal Kuehn andViolet James, BeHappy4Life.com,   All Rights Reserved.



Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a family couples counseling and child teenage counseling center, BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & words of inspiration to change your life, and Baby-Poems.com where you can find beautiful baby poems, baby quotes, cute sayings & baby videos that will touch your heart & increase your joy & gratitude for the children you love & enjoy! Krystal is also author of several other blogs: Give Thanks Journal, Baby Poems & Be Your Best blog and The 10 Keys to Happy and Loving Relationships (kindle version from amazon, also available in pdf format).


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Practice Happiness & Love Every Day

Did you know that practicing happiness & love has many benefits?

Practice Happiness & Love and...

(1) You will be more optimistic and have a good attitude

No matter what the situation, there is always more than one way to look at things. It all depends on where we focus our attention and what our expectations are. This will determine our attitude towards a matter or towards life in general. Truly happy people tend to be optimistic and hopeful. Their outlook is often positive, and they expect things to work out. They are resilient and cope well with life stressors and challenges. They spend time reflecting on reasons they have to be thankful. Happy people have a good attitude.

(2) You will have more confidence and better self-esteem

In order to be confident in who we are, we must be sure of ourselves. That means we believe in ourselves, and don’t need to prove anything to anyone. When we’re sure of ourselves, we are humble and respectful of others. We are more accepting of them, because we accept and like ourselves.

Truly happy people like and accept themselves. They recognize their strengths and work on building them. Their weaknesses don’t keep them from trying new things and moving forward. They are assertive, and they’re not afraid of being rejected for being who they are. Happy people are confident and have a good self-image.

(3) You will have more fun and enjoy things more

Life is fun when we take pleasure in it. Whether it’s in our work, rest, or play, we can discover fun awaiting us. Some fun is found in humor, accomplishment, laughter, entertainment, or simple gratification. If we make time for fun, life will be much less complicated and much more enjoyable.

Truly happy people know how to enjoy themselves. They can find humor and amusement in simple, everyday things. They don't always take everything so seriously, but laugh more often, even at themselves, when they get a chance. Happy people have fun and enjoy things more.

(4) You will be healthier both physically and mentally

Research continues to confirm that our bodies and minds are closely connected. Unhealthy bodies have decreased mental energy and lower moods. Healthy bodies have increased motivation, endurance, and energy. We have one body to live in while here on earth. With proper care, it will function at its best and keep us healthy and happy. Truly happy people take good care of their minds and bodies. They realize that the way they care for themselves will be evident in how they feel and look. They have respect and gratitude for their bodies so they avoid what is harmful and do what is good for them. Happy people take proper care of their health.

(5) You will have more love in your life and more fulfilling relationships

We can’t live a happy and satisfying life without love. And we can’t love life without loving people which includes loving ourselves as well. Life is all about loving and being loved. That is why relationships are so precious and valuable. They provide us endless opportunities to experience and express love without which we would never know true happiness

Truly happy people love others. They enjoy expressing their love with kindness, giving, and sharing. They connect with people and love to socialize. They are caring and loving towards others. They are accepting and forgiving of themselves and others. Happy people experience more love in their lives and have more satisfying relationships.

(6) You will have an inner peace that can’t be easily shaken

If we know eternal, abiding peace, life’s storms and challenges won’t hinder or frighten us. Come what may, there’s a place of security and calm for the one who has inner peace.

Truly happy people can release their burdens and cares. They know their limitations, and accept what they cannot control. They don’t give in to fear, but conquer it instead. They take time to reflect and take in the beauty around them. Happy people experience inner peace.

(7) You will live your life with purpose and meaning

We’ve all been given one life to live, and deep inside of us is a desire to live it with meaning and purpose. Ultimately, we decide what we are going to do with our lives. Our journeys will lead us into a life of meaning and purpose depending on which paths we choose to follow.

Truly happy people have vision for their lives. They believe they have a calling to fulfill. They like to use their gifts and talents to contribute to something bigger than themselves. They often see themselves as conquerors and winners. Happy people live with purpose.

(8) You will grow in wisdom and make better choices

If we want to become wise, we must learn how to apply our knowledge in the best possible ways. When all of our knowledge and learning helps us to make good choices, and keeps us humble and willing to learn more, we are growing in wisdom.

Truly happy people make good choices. They think ahead and consider the possible consequences to their actions. They want to gain knowledge and seek understanding. They want to learn, and are teachable and willing to listen. Happy people grow in wisdom.

From Be Happy & Prosper: Ways Happiness Prospers Us c2007 BeHappy4Life.com

Free program to help you practice happiness: Be Your Best and Be Happy
Free program to help you practice love: Love & Relationships Workshop


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