Giving Gifts of Kindness

I received a wonderful e-mail this week. Friends of mine host an annual Christmas party to which they invite many people. This highly anticipated evening is always fun with an abundance of food, drink and laughter. Singing and dancing are commonplace as this group of friends celebrates the joys of the season together.

As we were all properly taught, guests not only bring food to a party, but also a gift for the host and hostess. For years, this couple has been the recipient of lovely gifts such as cookies, candies, gift certificates, ornaments, wine, and often more elaborate, expensive gifts as well. In an e-mail expressing their gratitude for the generosity over the years, they have also strongly encouraged no gifts this year. They have invited their friends to perform a random act of charity instead of bringing a gift to the party. They have suggested perhaps we put a little extra in the collection plate at church, donate a few dollars to the library or just do something special with our families.

I was elated when I received this email, not because I did not wish to bring something special to my friends, but because it reinforces that I am not alone in wishing for a less materialistic Christmas. I am encouraged that more and more people are recognizing the quality of spending time with people they love. It appears I am not the only one who believes that enjoying good times together far outweighs receiving gifts. I am encouraged to see others celebrate the real meaning of Christmas as people are helping other people, food and toy drives are being held, and scouts are singing carols to the elderly.

I have always struggled with the commercialism of this holiday and felt and watched those I love feel the stress caused by obligatory shopping, baking, rushing and worrying. Although I appreciate gifts given to me, I would much prefer people spend their money, or even better, their time to help those in need. It thrills me that my friends feel the same way, and I hope all those who attend the party will choose to make a small contribution to betterment instead of bringing a gift. With everyone contributing a little, huge differences will be made.

Speaking of Extraordinary Gifts

In an admirable and inspirational expression of her generosity, six-year-old Hannah Gagne proved that she knows the true meaning of Christmas. A few days ago, Hannah had 10 inches of her hair cut so she could donate it to Locks of Love, and she hasn’t stopped smiling since.

She recently heard about Locks of Love after complimenting a friend’s new haircut. After learning how her friend’s donated ponytail would help others, she became excited to do this also. Sitting in the hairdresser’s chair, she remained determined and enthusiastic despite the cautious concerns of those around her. Once Hannah got this idea in her head, she never looked back nor does she regret it. The smile on her face is proof that giving, indeed, feels better than receiving.

Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss. With the help of generous donors such as Hannah, Locks of Love is able to return a sense of self-confidence and normalcy to children by utilizing donated ponytails to provide hair prosthetics.

The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need. The prostheses provide help to restore self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. Hannah should be very proud of herself. She has provided a fine example of how gifts do not need to be purchased at the mall. By cutting and donating her hair, she has set the standard for thoughtful ways to give to others this holiday season.

Dance for Toys

Dancers from Raymond’s Center Stage Performing Arts Studio, in conjunction with dancers from the Studio for the Living Arts Pulse Team, will be performing tap, jazz and hip-hop routines for a great cause this holiday season.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., they will be dancing for your enjoyment as well as to raise money for the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund. The Bruce Roberts Toy Fund is a non-profit organization that has been providing Christmas toys for area children in need since 1949. The organization solicits funds primarily through the general public to purchase the toys. Although there is no admittance cost to the performance, donations to the fund will be accepted at the door. Suggested donations are $5 for adults and $3 students. This entertaining and worthwhile event will be held at Center Stage Performing Arts located at 71 Main St. For more information, call Center Stage Performing Arts owner Beth Gaudet at 807-7405.

Holiday Artisan Show

There will be a Holiday Artisan Show at Center Stage Performing Arts on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come celebrate the season and find that perfect gift for someone on your list.

More than a dozen local artists will be showcasing their talents. Products available will include jewelry, paintings, painted floor cloths, hand-embossed velvet scarves, handbags, headbands, wheel-thrown pottery, clay jewelry and accessories, quilts, wall hangings, baby quilts, hand-stamped cards, fleece blankets, tapestry bags, hats, apple wreaths, scented rice pillows, felted bowls, baskets, stained glass works and more.

In addition to the unique craft offerings, the fair will feature coffee and pastries in the morning, lunch in the afternoon and children’s activities such as face painting and holiday card making throughout the day. Contact Susan Cloutier for more information by calling 761-2938 or 807-7405 or e-mail susancloutier@maine.rr.com.

Annual Holiday Bake Sale

With the holiday season underway, the Raymond Village Library Annual Holiday Bake Sale is a great source to gather your favorite baked goods. Be sure to arrive early on Sunday, Dec. 9 to have the best choice of fancy breads, coffee cakes, fancy cookies, special candies and a variety of other delicious treats, all ready for giving as gifts or enjoying with family and friends. The sale begins at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day.

Raymond Village Library Annual Appeal

By now you should have received a letter from the library requesting donations. The annual appeal is a very important fundraiser for the library as it relies on your contributions to provide the outstanding service to which you are accustomed. Your support is appreciated and enables the library to continue offering quality reading materials in a comfortable atmosphere.

While preparing for the holidays and purchasing gifts for loved ones, please remember your library. Although not large in stature, the library, with its fabulous staff and team of generous volunteers, is anything but small. In addition to offering countless books, magazines, videos, audios, puzzles, and wireless Internet connection, the library is home to several popular programs. Friends gather to enjoy the annual tree lighting ceremony, hands-on science experiments, craft days, summer reading programs, reading groups, pajama story time, Halloween story time, and the very popular weekly story time hours, often overflowing with children. If it has been a while since you last visited the library, please stop by and see how your money is put to use.

Photographs With Santa

Santa will be at Dog-Gone Grooming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15 for all dogs and children to come in for free pictures. There will be a donation box for all who would like to donate either cash, food or treats for both cats and dogs. Donations will be split and go to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg and Westbrook Animal Refuge League depending the outcome of donations.