With the Holiday season comes extreme loneliness for some people. Some people reside in nursing homes and don’t get visitors. Other people are sick in shut in and cannot attend church services.
If you want to brighten someone’s holiday that is ill or may have recently lost a loved one, here is an act of love that is appropriate year around. I just thought I’d share it with you on My Health Monday to promote some positive mental health for a friend or stranger.
Step One – Wrap an old shoe box
Step Two – Choose 7 appropriate gifts to go in the Joy Box.
This Joy Box was made for a very special man (Hush Andrea), so the gifts were chosen appropriately.
Depending on how close the person is to you, you may end up spending a little money on the box.
In Sunday School, we usually make a Joy Box filled with tokens. Most gifts can come from the dollar store. I usually get at least one gift that the patient will like that I spend a few dollars on.
You should be able to make a box for well under $20.
Step Three – Wrap the gifts in tissue paper & try to fit them in the box 😉 . I used Christmas paper just because it was available in the stores and it kinda matched my wrapping paper for the Joy Box.
Step 4 – Place the Joy Box poem on the outside of the box.
Step 5 – Make your Joy Pills!
Joy Pills are scriptures from the bible version of your choice. I chose the NIV version. I don’t want to choose your scriptures for you but so you have an idea, I’m sharing some “pills” I use for ill patients mixed in with pills for those that are grieving.
Once you choose your scriptures, just cut the slips of paper and use a pair of scissors to curl them up like when we were kiddos 🙂 !
Step 6 – Make your prescription Joy box label “Joi-Style” 😉
They will appreciate this little act of love more than you would ever imagine. Hope you enjoyed! Don’t forget to pin it 🙂
WHILE WE ARE ON THE SUBJECT OF GIFTS, DON’T FORGET TO MAIL YOUR GIFTS TODAY FOR THE HOLLY BLOGGY CHRISTMAS PARTY 🙂 !
Oh & I simply couldn’t resist sharing with you the little one’s Junior League assignment this weekend….
Character Breakfast 2013
Isn’t she lovely 🙂
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- What do you do or what ideas do you have for the sick and shut in or those that may be lonely for the Holidays?
- What other gifts would you put in a Joy box?
- Besides flowers & dinner, what other gifts/tokens do you usually take to a hospital, to someone that is at home and sick, or to someone who recently lost a loved one?
- Do you recognize the characters?
Rx Fitness Lady
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Joi, I’m loving this creative idea! Thanks for reminding me of 2 things: 1) gifts don’t have to be expensive to have meaning and be appreciated and 2) holiday season shouldn’t be the only time you think of brightening someone’s day. I’m already picturing a Just Because Joy Box for my man.
Lynette recently posted…Circle of Positivity
I love the just because box! I will remember to do that in the future not just when he’s sick! Thank Lynette!
I love this idea, Joi!
Sidebar: I will be out of the country during the holidays, I will mail you a picture of the gift I receive since I won’t be posting on the blog during this time. Unless a scheduled tweet is acceptable?
Kimberly recently posted…Journey to Wellness 12.4
Cool, Thanks Kimberly!
Love the perscription one with the notes that is so neat. Gifts should come from the heart and to brighten someone’s day with a small gift is better than anything big you could get me. So…….let’s here some more about this mysterious man………..*side eye*
Kita recently posted…How do you handle death?
In due time my friend 😉 !
What a lovely (and creative) idea Joi!!
Michelle recently posted…Personalized Christmas Gift Tags {Guest Post}
Thanks Michelle!
Yup. I am loving the Joy Box idea. Time to get busy. Gonna put this into action.
Yum Yucky recently posted…Haters Gonna Hate: How to Curse a Fitness Lover 8 Different Ways
Great, glad you liked it Joise!
This is a wonderful idea!! I love it, and I’m going to pin it so I can make some of these later.
The character breakfast pictures are also awesome.
Tracie recently posted…Holiday Celebration at Universal Orlando Resort
Thanks Tracie! I thought the characters turned out really well!
This is an amazing idea! What a sweet way to show a little love and caring during the holidays!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Delightful December
Thanks Brittnei! We make these year round for the sick and shut in. They always seem to bring joy to the recipients!
Love, love, love this idea Joi! You’re so clever with your creativity! You’ve given me some great ideas for not only the sick, but for college students and people in the military. Ha, ha you got me on the gifts/tokens part, because the only things I give are food and flowers(as if those are the ONLY things in the world to give), lol! But I’m sure they would appreciate a “Joy” box, as it’s more personal! Hope you had a wonderful weekend my friend! 😉
Michell recently posted…Mastering YOU Monday…don’t break him
Oh, I love the twist of giving to college students! I am sure they would be more than appreciative!
Joi, I LOVE this idea!! I might use parts of it for something else we are planning this year – thank you so much for sharing and all the great ideas on your list!!!
Kim recently posted…MONDAY, MONDAY, MONDAY
You’re welcome Kim! I’d like to hear about this little something later on the blog 🙂
Tiana!! I definitely recognize the characters! It’s kinda my life.
You may have to hush me too, and not just Andrea. Special man???
My mom and uncle used to give this to each other, but they called it “surprise box.” It’s the same concept and it means THE WORLD to the recipient.
I think I’ll make them both one this holiday season. They could both use it.
Tamara recently posted…Invisible Mama.
Couldn’t we all use a joy box! You all are making me think more on the “Just because” box…I love it. Lol, Andrea is always picking on me. Soon enough Tamara 🙂
Love this idea! I’ve already pinned it. I am so doing this! I’ll definitely do this throughout the year as well, but I love the idea so much that I’m gonna put a spin on it and give it to my special man…the hope box…lol
I haven’t had too hospital visits, but I’ve taken in addition to flowers…teddy bears, books, candy, soft throw
Lil sis looks beautiful as Princess Tiana. I saw the pic on FB. Beautiful!
Thanks for sharing
Hope recently posted…The Space Race Recap
HOPE Box, LOVE!!!! He is gonna love it too. All of you little devoted wives are so sweet thinking of the hubbies in a “just because” way. I am sure they all deserve it. You must post the HOPE box on your blog Missy :)!
Thanks for the additional ideas for the box and in general for visiting people!
Love the gift box idea! I’ll be pinning it.
Thanks Kenya!
This is a great idea! One year I called up our local nursing home in the middle of summer and found out how many residents they had. Then I spent the rest of the summer and early winter fund raising. Calling people at church, local businesses, etc. to donate money for gifts. I bought gifts, wrapped them, and then took the grandkids to deliver them on Christmas Eve. The residents who were there didn’t have family to visit and were so happy. Of course, their favorite part was seeing and talking to the little ones.
I should do that again soon!
Carla recently posted…Laura Lives Healthy
Yes, my heart breaks for people in nursing homes that don’t get visitors! Actually, you’ve just reminded me of a post I need to do. Thanks Carli!
I love this. It’s so simple and can bring someone SO much love and joy and hope. You really did it this time Joi and I will definitely be making at least two of these ASAP. This is a gift to me as well. THANK YOU!
Allie recently posted…My Husband’s First 5K!
🙂 Awh, Thx Allie! Glad it touched you so!
Now you know I recognize the characters! I saw your sisters pic on Facebook and I thought her outfit was so pretty! How fun. I am a Disney fanatic so this is right up my alley!
The joy box is a fantastic way to care for the sick and shut in! I love the bath and body works products as an option. And the joi pills are perfect too!!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle – A Review & Giveaway!
Thanks Nellie! I didn’t realize Amber had friended so many of you on FB, lol!
OMG THIS IS A BRILLLLLLIANNNTT idea!! Thank you, THANK YOU!!! There are a few people that I just didn’t know what to get for the holidays and you CURED ME! lol!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Michelle Bridges Kicked My Booty, & I Liked It!
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Aww! Is that your sister? She is so cute! She definitely looks like the princess in the movie! As far as your Joy box is concerned, I am really impressed! That is so creative. And the Joy prescription pills? I can imagine people who know you and what you do feeling pretty awesome when you take the time to put something together like this for them! I’m pinning for later! This idea might come in handy!
Brittnei recently posted…Cuban Sofrito Recipe
That is my baby girl indeed Brittnei!
As for the Joy box, I can’t take complete credit. I have just modified it over the years to my liking. We have been doing them n Sunday school for about 5 years! We love to make them. We take turns choosing someone off the sick list to do them for. Thanks for pinning.
Those are amazing costumes!!
I’ve always enjoyed the “Secret Santa” game that is common around here!
Yep, that’s not even half the characters! There were like 20….great day for the kiddos!
I really love this idea! I think it’s great, and you are correct–gifts don’t have to be expensive, it’s the thought that counts for sure. I seem to have a lot of boxes around, it’s time that I make use of them. As for the pill bottle–no fair, you have an advantage with access to them 😉
KalleyC recently posted…What is Advent and How Do We Celebrate It
Lol, you are right Kalley! Save the bottles when you go to the doctor 🙂
The girls look so cute! They each really bring the character to life! This is such a lovely idea. I love how you take it a step farther by adding the pill bottle and scripture. Thanks for reminding me- I have to get my gift in the mail. Oops!
Stevie recently posted…Santa Claus Suspicions
No problem, I provided some grace days cushion because I know the busy life of a blogger 🙂
What a wonderful idea, Joi! I can count on you to bring the creativity and the giving spirit all at once.
I think I have all the characters: Tiana (Princess and the Frog); Ariel (Under the Sea); Snow White, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
LOL
Alison Hector recently posted…A father’s love
Yes ma’am, you know your Disney 🙂
Glad you like the Joy box Alison!
heartwarming. thoughtful. AND creative! this entire concept has blown my mind. like for real. so little effort and money, but an eternity of fond memories.
miss donna recently posted…keep the change | $20 budget – November
Ah, Donna….yes, under $20 🙂 So glad you approve my friend!
Love this idea. Perfect for someone who is sick or who just needs cheering up. When I was in the hospital on bed rest with my son, people brought me care packages like this one and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated them.
Ilene recently posted…The Bridge
Thanks Ilene! I appreciate the patient perspective feedback!
You really put some serious time and effort in the Joy Box. Love it! When my husband turned 30, I bought 30 gifts (much like the ones you did) and gave them all to him at once. I did the same for my sister when she turned 30.
Yes, I recognize the characters. They look great. Mailing my Holly Bloggy Christmas Party gift!
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…5 Time Saver Tools for Facebook
Hey, I love that idea ! I might have to steal it 🙂
What a great idea Joi! My Girl Scout troop participated in Operation Christmas Child which does something similar. We filled boxes to send to needy children around the world. The girls were so excited to work on their boxes. They included homemade bracelets alsol They really wanted to share something personal. The hospital boxes are a wonderful idea. I should set this up for them to do next year. Your scripture selections are very helpful. Thank you for including those in those post.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life recently posted…6 Strategies for Creating a Calmer Christmas – Guest Post from CalmHealthySexy
Hey Christina! You are welcome. The Operation Christmas Child is a great project for Girl Scouts for Xmas. I love it!
Joi I absolutely love this idea! Printing this out right now to save & share! Pinning & tweeting as well. Love the spirit of giving.
Sonya M. Jones recently posted…A Moment Of Silence…
Thank you Sonya for all the shares!
Love love love this idea!! What a great way to make a difference in someone’s life! Thanks for sharing it. You really do so much for others:)) Awesome.
Leah Davidson recently posted…It’s a Wonderful Life
Thank you Leah!
joi, i just love this idea so much! i’ve pinned it, bookmarked it, and will be using it for all my presents! i have grappled with spending money (as i don’t believe in it and gift giving is economically inefficient), but this is exactly what it’s all about: care and thoughtfulness. so much heart. I LOVE!!!
catherine gacad recently posted…I’ve Been Poisoned
🙂 Glad you liked it!
I love this idea, Joi! So creative and the contents can actually be used for practical purposes. Did I tell you that I used your idea for the baby shower gift? My sister loved it! She didn’t realize she needed half the stuff in there. It saved her several trips to the pharmacy.
another jennifer recently posted…Learning From Sandy Hook One Year Later
Awesome Jennifer! I’m so glad she loved it! I love making them and the reactions from new mommies!
What a beautiful and awesome gift idea. This is an idea that I will definitely keep in my mind for future gifts. Though it’s the holidays the beauty of the joy box is that it can be given as a gift anytime of the year… Thanks again girlie for this.. Really love meaningful gifts
Me too Cass! They are fun to make and mean so much to the recipients!
Oh wee! Lol! I can’t hush now. I knew we were stumbling upon something special. Lol!!! I love the idea. I like to make baskets filled with sentimental and much needed goodies. Very cute – “Joy Box.” (I’m smiling at “the very special man” mention.)
Andrea recently posted…Can We Enjoy Beyoncé’s Album without Making it Into Something That it’s Not?
Yes ma’am you called it!
I love the ‘joi’ box idea, just reading this post brought a smile to my face. are there specific organizations that would have a list of people who would need a joy box?
Em K recently posted…outfit: picture day!
This is SO sweet! Thanks for sharing with #LOBS weekend! XO. ~A~
Amber Day Hicks recently posted…Ladies Only Blog Share Link up Party!!!! Cry me a FROZEN river!!!!
This is a fantastic idea, I absolutely love it! My daughter used to be a part of a performing group that would visit neighborhood nursing homes and such and do little performances for them. It was fantastic because the audience automatically loved everything the kids did, and the kids got experience performing. We loved those days!
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