Simple Ways To Give Back During The Holidays

It’s easy to get wrapped up during the Holidays. Finding the perfect ham to cook on Christmas. Picking the perfect gift for friends and family. Figuring out a way to eat holiday meals with family and in-laws on the same day.  It’s easy to understand why so few people give back during the holidays, but the simple fact remains—giving back shows the true spirit of this busy time. It doesn’t have to be big, a simple act of kindness has endless positives. Here are a few ideas, big and small, for adults, kids, and families to get you started.

Your Circle

It doesn’t have to be far reaching; you do not need to change the world. Every kindness counts; it is a ball of positivity that wasn’t present before.

• Call a friend or family member. You never know when someone needs an extra pick me up or the simple joy of hearing a loved one’s voice.
• Pass on a sentimental gift.
• Show your appreciation. Write a note or email to someone that has directly impacted your life in a positive way.
• Give someone a break.  Kids, cook the parents breakfast in bed! It doesn’t have to be fancy; even cereal will bring a smile.
• Give a genuine compliment, one that shows you pay attention.
• Say Thank You. It’s the simplest one. During the season of giving, let people know you are appreciative.

Your Community

Your community is an extension of who you are. If your community is happy and thriving, you are more likely to be the same. When you do a kind thing, you set an example, a precedent, for others to follow. This chain reaction makes your community, and your life better.

• Thank the local response teams. They don’t get the Holidays off. Stop in with warm hot cocoa or make a few pies for the local station. Let them know they aren’t forgotten and that their work is appreciated.
• Deliver meals. Meals on Wheels is an organization that brings meals to seniors that have troubles getting around. During Christmas and Thanksgiving they are in extra need of volunteers to help with deliveries. For more information on the organization and how to get started, click here. If you are in the Clermont, FL area the Wesley Center is a local participant in this great program. You can contact us for details.
• Bring unwanted clothes to the local shelter. Let’s face it; we all have things in our closets that we don’t wear. Why not put them to good use and donate them (especially the warmer items) to your local shelter?
• Bring food to an animal shelter. Animal shelters seem never to get ahead. As soon as they find one animal a home, another one is dropped off. Make their day a little easier by donating food, toys, and supplies.
• Take those animals for a walk or stroll. Better yet, stop by your local animal shelter and see if they have a volunteer program to take the dogs for walks. It will bring the dogs some much-needed exercise as well as integration that will make their adoption process a little bit smoother.
• Leave a cheerful note on a car.
• Pay it forward. Pay for someone behind you on the toll road. Or visit your local Walmart to see what people have on layaway. It doesn’t have to be big, just a little something to make someone’s day a bit easier.
• Make a child smile. Take toys to the children’s hospital or a homeless shelter for families.
  

Your World

The World! It seems big because it is. But, giving back and urging it towards positivity doesn’t have to be hard.

• Give blood, save a life. Bonus, they give you cookies!
• Become an organ donor. This is a personal choice and is one not to take lightly. But, with the number of people in need of an organ growing and the number of viable candidates lessening, it’s worth considering. For more information, click here.
• Send a military member a kind note or a care package. Like your local first responders, the military doesn’t get the day off. They don’t even get to come home to family after work.
• Give to a cause. Low on time, but still wanting to reach out and help the world? Donate to a cause. Not sure who? Check out Charity Watch to see who puts their money to the best uses.

When you’re surrounded by love, light and family during the Holidays it’s easy to forget there is a part of your circle, community or world that may be lacking one if not three of those things. Give back. Make someone’s day.