Sunday, August 15, 2010

A Package Of Cheer


Sometimes we all have hard times. Times when we feel especially challenged, especially weak, or particularly discouraged for one reason or another. My cousin is going through one of those times right now.

I have thought about her so much lately and wondered what I could do to support her even though we live far away from each other. Then, yesterday, I decided to throw together this little "Package of Cheer" for her. Each of the items in this little care package represents some comfort, cheer, or help that she might be needing right now. It was easy to make, packed into a small box, and it's stuff that she can use or eat (treats, socks, etc.) And, although I know that one little care package can nowhere near solve all the challenges that she currently faces, I also know that a little extra love can never hurt. Do you know someone who's having a rough go right now? Maybe someone who is sick, just moved, having trouble with their kids, suffering with an addiction or a relationship problem? This might even be a fun package for a missionary.

You can't solve their problems but maybe you could make their day by sending them a little package of cheer. Here's what's in the package:

SOCKS:
"To help get you on your feet even when it's tough"

GUM:
 "To help you STICK to your goals and CHEWS the path will bring you happiness"
HOT COCOA:
"To WARM your soul"

LANTERN:
"To light your way on even the darkest of days"
HUGS AND KISSES:
"Because some days you just need extra hugs and kisses to get through"
LAFFY TAFFY:
"To bring SWEETNESS and LAUGHTER to any situation"


I packaged the items in cellophane bags (from the party and wrapping section at the store).  The labels were attached with more of that self sticking laminate (you know I love that stuff).  I just put laminate on the front of each label and cut it out leaving a border of sticky laminate around the edge of the label and then stuck it to the bags.  You could also print the labels directly on to sticky back label paper (I just didn't have any on hand.  Whichever way you choose,
 stick the labels on  BEFORE you fill the bags so that the labels will go on smooth and pretty. 


I included a little note at the top of the package with this poem:

When your spirit starts to sag
Just look inside these little bags.
You'll find things to help you through
To lift, and help, and comfort you.

You are loved!


Hopefully she will smile and, at least for a little while, feel reassured that she is loved and that she can overcome all that stands before her.  Make one for someone you love.  Include a handwritten note expressing how much you care. It will probably make your day as well as theirs.

4 comments:

  1. What a cute idea! These remind me of the little packages my mom sent to me while I was in college...so I am thinking that they would be the perfect thing to send to your student away from home...don't have one now, but I will bookmark this and then in 15 years or so...

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  2. This is such a nice thing to do. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I love this idea! It is such a simple, easy and affordable way to show someone you care and are thinking about them. Thanks!

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  4. i so am going to do this for my cousin who just lost her baby

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