Words may fail, but a true hug never does. We are a culture disconnected from healthy, loving, healing touch – everything that a heartfelt hug offers.

One of the books my daughter loved for me to read to her was a book called Hug, by Jez Alborough. The main character, a chimp named Bobo, searches the jungle with his friends looking for a hug and isn’t happy until he gets one – from his mama.

Hugs are of the simplest – and most needed – pleasures in life.

Hug a loved one today, a deep, warm enveloping hug that lets them know they occupy a special place in your life. Find reasons to hug loved ones when you can, maybe for no reason at all.

Life is short. Hug often.

Feel free to share your experience or your creative suggestions. If you’re on Twitter or Instagram, share using the #24daysofgiving hashtag. Let’s spread some love and good cheer!

Did you miss a day?

Day 1: Give yourself 5 minutes

Day 2: Give someone your attention

Day 3: Give time to a worthy cause

Day 4: Give someone a helping hand

Day 5: Give a cup of coffee or tea

Day 6: Give 3 words of love

Day 7: Give a handwritten note

#24daysofgiving is an Advent experiment in being called to come into being through the practices of love and compassion, while reflecting on the coming of Christ into the world.

(Image credit: {C}hristina)