'Tis the Season

Somewhere in all of the work-school-family-friends craziness that is my life, we have stumbled upon my favorite time of the year. Seriously, I don’t think anything can bring me down during the months of October, November and December. There’s something about the holidays (and I count Halloween because while I don’t really have any interest in dressing up and partying, I LOVE handing out candy to kids and watching scary movies) that makes everything OK.

It’s also a time when I look back on the year that’s passed and think of everything that’s happened (and always so quickly, it seems!). I’m usually overcome with a sense of awe at how much has changed and how far I’ve come, and I’m definitely thankful for it. Another thing I like about the holidays? Giving. There are so many animal shelters and rescue groups that could use some extra help (not just at the holidays, either!). This year has been an especially difficult year for lots of families and their pets, so animal rescues are in desperate need. Please, look around and see how you can help. There are the obvious requests like food, but shelters also need cleaning supplies, sheets and blankets, and toys, among other things. I myself have sheets, blankets and comforters that are going to the Humane Society of Western Montana, which was Freckles’ home for the first year of his life. Or…do you like to send out holiday cards? The Humane Society of the United States has many options for holiday cards, and the proceeds go to helping animals. What about calendars? I personally can’t live without one, and this calendar by Heather Armstrong (who has a hilariously funny blog that you should also check out, btw) is a great option for 2010. All proceeds go to the Humane Society of Utah.

I know what you’re thinking…there are others out there besides the Humane Society. And you’re right. There are plenty of shelters and programs out there where your time and money can help. The ones I’ve linked to here are just those that I’ve had experience with through donations, adoptions or social media. The point is to celebrate the season, to be thankful, and to remember that there are others out there who aren’t as fortunate as you. Give back, even if you think it’s such a small donation that it won’t matter. Everything matters.