Don’t panic… but Christmas is three months away

Okay, I may be jumping the gun a little bit on this. But anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love Christmas… a lot. One of my favorite songs year-round is Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” (My friends can attest to this, whether or not they do so happily.) My sister and I used to perform adorable renditions of “Sisters” from White Christmas using umbrellas instead of fans. I have a pair of pajama pants that say “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Really.

But one of the very best things about Christmas—or any holiday around this time—is that it’s all about giving. While it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment and really appreciate the things we have, it’s also a time to think about others. Especially those who struggle during the holiday season.

This will be my first year living on my own around the holidays, which means I’ll have to handle a few things myself, including Christmas cards. So I was thrilled to learn about JDRF’s extensive holiday card collection.

The choices are practically unlimited, with creative artwork and a beautiful message. By purchasing and sending these cards, you’re not just ticking off a laundry list of family and friends. You’re supporting a hard-working foundation in its journey to find a cure for those suffering from Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Taking a cue from my good friend Don Harder, making a change begins in your world. The smallest changes can make a huge difference—you just have to find them. This season, try to look for ways to complete your holiday to-do list that positively impact other people. You’ll be surprised how many are out there. And the best part is that you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to end… You can start right now!