Month: January 2022

‘Tis the Season of Giving

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Shining a Light on Local Philanthropy

The holiday season brings forth many opportunities to give back to the larger community. Whether philanthropy is already one of your holiday traditions or a new introduction, here are some of the many local causes you should consider supporting this winter.  

 

Dear Santa

Benefitting the McNabb Center, “Dear Santa” is a program that provides children in need and their siblings with holiday gifts. Held annually, “Dear Santa” has been bringing joy to children and their families for over 20 years. Last year, the Center gave gifts and holiday parties to nearly 2,300 children and families in need across East Tennessee. If you’d like to contribute to the program, items are available for purchase through an Amazon Wish List linked on the Center’s “Dear Santa” website page. Individuals or groups may also sponsor a child to mark off everything on their specific wish list. 

 

Mission of Hope’s Cyber Barrel Christmas Drive  

Serving Appalachia’s less fortunate, this event collects items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and gifts to be given to those in need. Mission of Hope hosts the Drive in partnership with local news outlets, Chick-fil-A, Barnes & Noble, and others to provide rural Appalachia with what they need most. To support this initiative, you can purchase items through one of their registries, which can be found on their website. You can also make a financial donation that Mission of Hope will use to purchase items. Finally, individuals can help by buying something from their “most needed” list and bringing them to the Mission of Hope office. 

News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund

The Empty Stocking Fund is a 100% local, volunteer-run organization. Since 1912, this nonprofit, run by the Knoxville News Sentinel, has been feeding families in need during the holiday season. Recipients are given 40 total items including a 5-pound ham, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and enough staple food items to provide for Christmas dinner and other meals. Families with children ages 16 and under also receive a new toy and book. Last year, the Empty Stocking fund successfully delivered 2,000 baskets of food to those in need and have set the goal to be much higher this year. To support their initiative, several events are held throughout the season for fundraising and awareness-building. Volunteers and direct donations are always appreciated as well.  

 

Stress Less This Season

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

For many, the holiday season comes with plenty of joy – and plenty of stress. From planning events to buying gifts, it can be easy slip into the pressure of making this “the best one yet.” Thankfully, experts from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic share their tips for de-stressing during the holiday boom. Here’s how you can get back to enjoying the season:  

 

Accept Imperfection

Expectations are often set impossibly high for the holidays. Not only do we feel pressure from those around us, but we as individuals put a lot of pressure on ourselves too. The fact of the matter is, you can’t please everyone, and imperfection is healthy and normal. When things don’t go according to plan, don’t beat yourself up and pack your patience – we’ve all been there! 

 

Remember the Reason for the Season   

When you start feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, don’t lose sight of what really counts. Minor inconveniences such as long grocery lines or stand-still traffic can feel like huge bumps in the road during this time. Instead of letting the stress take over, maintain a calmer approach to the situation. Use the time to reflect on the good parts of your day and don’t let it spoil the rest of it.

Respond with Kindness

You can’t control the actions of others, but you can control how you respond. The stress of the holidays takes its toll on everyone, and there’s no guarantee that every individual will manage it well. Remind yourself of this if, for example, you have a difficult or unpleasant encounter. Soften any frustration with compassion because just like you, everyone is dealing with the pressure – it’s not personal.

 

Take a Breather

Don’t be afraid to make time for yourself and take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Even just 15 minutes can help to clear your mind, reduce stress, and cultivate fresh perspective. Take this time to do something you enjoy such as reading, listening to music, or taking a walk. Remove distractions and rejuvenate yourself.  

 

Learn to Say “No”

It’s easier said than done, but most of us know the feeling of disdain and overwhelming stress that comes from saying “yes” when we should be saying “no.” This is especially difficult to grasp during the holidays because we fear creating disappointment or disagreement. However, it’s important to do what’s best for you, and remember, you aren’t the only one facing such situations. You don’t have to feel guilty.