Christmas is a hectic time trying to get everything done and still find the energy to enjoy it. There are many "to-do's" like decorating the house, holiday parties, cooking/baking/cleaning, buying presents, holiday cards, etc., and that's just the tip of the iceberg. It can feel exhausting and overwhelming to try and do it all! But I discovered years ago how to slow down the season and fully experience the joy that Christmas should be.

I challenged myself to find ways throughout the month to give back- no matter how big or small. It could be as simple as paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru line or as big as providing a child with their Christmas morning presents. Showing love and compassion to our neighbors doesn't have to cost anything either; sometimes, it is as simple as gifting them with our time. If this sounds like something you would like to do, here are some ideas on ways to bless your neighbors and help you feel the Christmas Cheer!

USPS "Operation Santa"- Since 1912, the United States Postal Service has been allowing the public to read and adopt a child's letter to Santa. You simply need to go to www.uspsoperationsanta.com, and you can read through the letters that the elves at the USPS have selected and choose a Santa letter to answer!

Pay Away The Layaway- It is common for families who are struggling to put their holiday gifts on layaway and struggle to pay it off in time for Christmas. A simple way to have a big impact on someone's life is to pay off their layaway balance, and now there is a non-profit that can help you do it easily. www.payawaythelayaway.org.

Project Linus- Blankets provide more than just warmth. They can make a child feel safe, secure, and comforted when they are going through something scary or traumatic. Project Linus has been providing children with that comfort from blankets that are handmade by donors for over 20 years. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. All styles of blankets are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. The blankets must be new handmade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. To donate or to become a "Blanketeer" go to the website at www.projectlinus.org.

However, every act of kindness doesn't have to involve money! There are many ways to make someone's day better and not spend a dime. Some ideas are:

• Donate your time to someone who needs help, like an elderly neighbor who has a task that's difficult for them. Cleaning up their yard, bringing in firewood, or fixing an issue that they may be having with an electronic can all make a big difference in their life.

• Become a Pen Pal: Due to covid restrictions, senior homes are lonely places. This network of senior communities has started a Pen Pal program to help alleviate loneliness. You can sign-up to adopt a Pen Pal at https://villageconcepts.com/find-your-community/. Choose a location and mail it addressed to "c/o Pen Pal Program," and the staff will give the letter to a participating senior to write back.

• Clean up your community: As simple as an empty garbage bag and your time, you can make a real difference by cleaning up a roadway that everyone can enjoy seeing the improvement.

I hope these ideas may have inspired you to find ways- big or small- to bring a little joy to someone else through the holidays, and I hope it brings you joy, too! 

Hot Chocolate On A Stick

• Chocolate chips (whichever kind you prefer)
• Mini Marshmallows
• Sprinkles & crushed candy canes (optional)
• Wooden popsicle sticks (wooden spoons or white plastic spoons will also work)
• Mini-muffin tray or Ice cube tray

• Heat chocolate chips in the microwave for 30-second increments (stirring in between) until chocolate is melted and smooth.
• Scoop melted chocolate into a mini-muffin tray or ice cube tray. 
• Decorate the top with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles. Let your creativity run wild!
• Place a wooden stick (or plastic spoon) inside the middle of the chocolate.
• Freeze for 20- 30 minutes or until chocolate is hardened.
• Remove chocolate from the freezer when hardened and pop it out of the mini-muffin tray or ice cube tray. You can do this by gently pulling on the stick. (They should slide right out.)

Ok, guys, let's have some fun! This picture will be posted on my Julie C. Moore Facebook business page, and I would love to read your captions for it.

Click here www.facebook.com/TheLawOfficeOfJulieCMoore and let your creative side show. If you make me literally laugh out loud, I will give you a special shout-out and some Julie C. Moore swag. 

With so many people traveling this holiday season, I wanted to share some helpful traveling information and legal tips with you all this month.

Winter weather can be beautiful to see on your road trip, but it also causes increased car accidents, and it's important to know what to do if you are in an accident out-of-state.

Here's what you should know if you're caught in an out-of-state car accident:

What Should I Do if I Get in an Accident While Traveling Out of State?

Reporting an Insurance Claim

Filing an Injury Lawsuit

Most out-of-state car accident cases will follow the laws of the state where the accident took place. For example, if you are from Georgia and get into an accident in Tennessee, you will be subject to the laws of Tennessee instead of Georgia's.

Accidents that occur outside of your home state can get pretty complicated. Every case is unique, and each state has its own restrictions and regulations that may affect your claim for the better or for the worse.

It's vital to note that the statute of limitations of the state where the crash occurred will apply to your case, which may be shorter than your own state's deadline. That's why it's critical to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following a major vehicle accident.

If you're from Georgia and have questions concerning out-of-state collisions, or if you or a loved one were injured by a careless driver while visiting, call the Law Office of Julie C. Moore in Villa Rica, GA, to speak with an experienced car accident attorney!

Man is Stabbed With a Ceramic Squirrel After Returning Home With No Beer on Christmas

A 44-year-old South Carolina woman was angry at a man for returning home without beer on Christmas and assaulted him with a ceramic squirrel.

Police in Charleston found a man covered in bruises and blood on Christmas Day. He was with a woman, who told police he fell and cut himself, but she couldn't explain why her hands and clothes were also bloody.

The man's side of the story is quite different: He says he went out to get beer for Helen Williams. The stores were closed because of the holiday, and when he arrived back home with no beer, Helen flew into an uncontrollable rage. She grabbed a ceramic squirrel nearby and started beating and stabbing the man several times.

According to the North Charleston Police Department, Helen Ann Williams went to jail and was charged with domestic violence for stabbing her husband with a ceramic squirrel.

Mark Twain said "Truth is stranger than fiction" and wow is that true of this story! If you ever find yourself in a crazy situation like this, contact Attorney Julie Moore. She's the local lawyer that always has your back.

Have A Safe and Joyful Christmas from Julie and her team!

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