Editor's note: For at least part of the week last week, the headline for last week's column linked to the column from the week before. If you were unable to read all the great missionary gift ideas, click here.

I just knew this was going to happen! Here we finally get a topic where there's no contention, and it lasts for a grand total of one week!

Truth be told, everyone came up with such great ideas for missionary Christmas gifts that pretty much everything that could be said has already been said, but it's sad to see such a happy subject close itself out so quickly.

I have two more short letters on missionary gifts, and then we're on to a new topic. But the holiday spirit still reigns, so this should be another pleasant subject.

Read on!

When my sons were on their missions, I sent them a "Christmas party."  I included a punch-out tree with decorations, small stockings to hang, a children's book about the Nativity to read, and a "premium" brand of hot chocolate.  I included my own testimony of the Christmas holiday, along with remembrances of family holiday traditions.
 
I also included a check, with instructions to purchase something for a needy family in their area.  Both missionaries enjoyed the package, especially the chance to give a little Christmas cheer to a special family.
 
A former missionary mom,
Diane Evans

What a terrific idea, Diane! Not only is the party a great idea for the missionaries, but the check is an equally excellent idea to remind them of the true spirit of Christmas. Well done!

And here's one last suggestion:

While "my" missionaries — whether sons, daughters, nephews, nieces — were/are out in the field, the family gathered at Thanksgiving and tied a quilt. Friends, family, missionaries in our area were invited to come add a few stitches.  When finished, it was boxed up, wrapped beautifully and mailed to the missionary with the instructions to find someone to give it to.  It was a memorable time for all of us and has brought tears of joy and letters from some who received them.

Anonymous Person

What a compassionate idea, Anonymous! I only wish you had included your name so we could give you the credit you so richly deserve. And not only does your idea warm the hearts of the missionaries and the bodies of the quilt recipients, but it also gives you a great project for Thanksgiving. What a way to enhance your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

Speaking of which, the suggestion sent in by Anonymous is a great opportunity for us to transition from our Christmas topic to one that's a little closer to today's date on the calendar:

Now that Halloween is over, the annual holiday season is underway. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the happiest holidays of the year for many of us, but they represent the saddest holidays of the year for others.

Even as you gather your loving family members around you, there are people in your ward who will feel adrift at Thanksgiving time — and, later, at Christmas. These include missionaries who are away from home — although truth be told, missionaries usually get a lot of attention because they're so noticeable. There are other people whose needs are more likely to be overlooked — newlyweds who are too far from home to return to one family or another for the holidays, single people who live far from their own families, empty-nesters whose nestlings are not returning for the season, widows, servicemen, and many others.

If you open your eyes, you'll see people all around you who are dreading the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. These are people that you can help.

If you have found a way to include other people as part of your family gathering at Thanksgiving or Christmas, please send us your ideas. Or if other people have included you and made your own holiday bright, let us know what was done and how it affected you.

Your responses can make a world of difference for people who are about to embark on the saddest time of the year, so I hope you'll write and help others with ideas for how to love their neighbors — member and nonmember alike — during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. So please send your suggestions to please send them to circleofsisters@meridianmagazine.com . Put something in the subject line that will let me know your letter isn't spam. And when you write, be sure to include your full name, city and state or province. (If you'd rather be semi-anonymous, sign your name as “A Reader from Michigan” or “Sandy from Timbuktu.” The important thing is that we hear from you.)

Until next time — Kathy

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.

Charles E. Jefferson (1860-1937)