Like Charlie in the movie, A Charlie Brown's Christmas, you may find yourself saying, "I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas. I always end up feeling depressed."

Charlie's friend, Lucy, offers some good advice, "You need involvement. You need to get involved in a real Christmas project."

Lucy is wise beyond her years , there's nothing quite like helping others to get our minds off ourselves!

Along the way in doing good, Charlie also discovers the true meaning of Christmas from Linus, who reads Luke 2:8-14 (KJV):

"And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: behold I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

No matter what you do this Christmas, we hope you recall the uplifting yuletide theme of redemption. And perhaps 2015 will be your year to get involved!  Whether it is with IDEAS and our projects around the world or in your own neighborhood, the Christmas spirit of helping others can be felt all year long.

Merry Christmas from all of us at IDEAS! We're taking a break from blogging to enjoy some eggnog and cookies. See you in 2015!