Now that December has officially arrived, it's time to get to work.
What does that look like for you? Does it mean finalizing your gift list for your family? Does it mean coordinating with distant cousins about when they will arrive and where they will sleep on Christmas Eve? Does it mean baking 200 cookies for your kid's holiday bake sale?
These are all important, but during the holidays, it's good to remember that there are some folks who don't have anyone to spend the festive season or exchange gifts with. There are many who have to work on the big day, and there are others who will have a hard time finding food while we are cuddled around the fire, stuffed with a Christmas ham and sipping cocoa.
For this holiday season, we can all make a conscious effort to go above and beyond to make a difference in the life of someone else. These 11 ways to do so are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential good deeds.
How will you be spreading cheer for the holidays? Let us know how you help out in the comments and please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
1. Adopt A Family
There are many different organizations that help you adopt a family for the holidays. When you adopt a family, you provide food certificates, toys, and hygiene products or clothes to make the holiday as comfortable and joyous as possible.
2. Give Blood
If you are able to give blood, it is one of the most generous gifts you can give this holiday season, as one pint of blood can save three whole lives. If you're squeamish around needles, this may be the time of year to overcome that fear and give the gift of life.
3. Give Up Items You Love
We've all got possessions that we can live without, but just don't want to give up. These items, like an old cell phone, for example, can completely change a needy person's life. The true test of selflessness is to unburden yourself of your possessions to help those less fortunate, whether that means giving away your unneeded things or selling them in order to donate to a charity.
4. Write Letters
There are few things that have the same effect as a genuine handwritten letter. If there is someone in your life that deserves that warm and fuzzy feeling you get from reading a heartfelt letter, then get to writing and telling them how much you appreciate them. Write a letter to your mail person. Write a letter to a soldier. Write a letter to the cashier who always asks how you're doing at the grocery store. Everyone loves a good letter.
5. Play The Role Of Santa Or Mrs. Claus
Do you remember how fun it was to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus every year at Christmastime when you were a little one? Bring that same joy to kids in your area by volunteering to play one of the Kringles or their elves!
6. Pay It Forward
Everyone needs their morning cup of coffee, so why not make someone's day by paying for theirs too? It's tiny gestures like this that really put people in the holiday spirit, and maybe they'll return the favor to someone else later in the day. This is how joy spreads, folks. Be the one to start the chain.
7. Visit A Nursing Home
The seniors in our community are often forgotten, but they still need company just like the rest of us, and they deserve it. Take some time to visit a nursing home during the holidays to have a chat and a cup of tea with older folks who may not have anyone else with whom to celebrate the season. You have no idea how much this tiny gesture can lift someone's spirits.
8. Prepare And Serve Food To Others
Check organizations in your area to see if any need help preparing meals or serving them to those less fortunate. Whether you're in a soup kitchen or you're cooking a warm meal for a neighbor who could use one, think of others who may be hungry this season.
9. Talk To A Stranger
Is there someone at work or perhaps at your church or other organization that seems like they could use someone to talk to? Just having someone listen to them can relieve a huge burden. Lend an ear.
10. Make Gift Baskets
Prepare baskets with some toiletries, gloves, and anything else you might think someone living out on the street would need or appreciate. Keep them in your car and hand them out to struggling folks in your community.
11. Adopt A Pet
If your family is in the position to adopt a pet, then consider doing so this holiday season. It's cold out there, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of animals who could use a loving family to snuggle.
Will you be doing any of these good deeds this holiday season? Please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook so that we can all make a difference.
