There are many different ways to give back during the holidays.
Last Christmas, I purchased a Giving Manger for my family, which, according to the website, “helps families shift the focus of Christmas back to giving. A piece of straw is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed. On Christmas Day, the Baby is placed in the manger filled with service and love.”
This has really helped my family visualize our good deeds during the holiday season, and this time of year, the different ways to give back are plentiful.
Below are some ideas we enjoy partaking in. Do you have others to add to the list?
- Shovel the snow for a neighbor.
- Take cookies to the firehouse or police station.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Donate to a food pantry.
- Stuff socks with supplies for the homeless.
- Send dessert to another family at a restaurant.
- Pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru.
- Let someone go in front of you in line.
- Write a letter to a family member who lives out of town.
- Donate presents to the Ronald McDonald House for Christmas.
- Donate toys to a shelter.
- Paint kindness stones and take them to your local park.
- Write a letter to an out-of-town friend.
- Drop off dinner at a neighbor’s.
- Sponsor a family at school for Christmas.
- Donate pajamas for foster kids.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Write thank you cards to all of your kids’ teachers.
- Leave a large tip for a server.
- Support local businesses.
- Give blood.
- Bring in homemade treats to Sunday School teachers.
- Leave some scattered $1 bills around the Dollar Tree store in the kids’ area.
- Buy a grocery store gift card and then give it to the person behind you.
- Volunteer time at a homeless shelter on Christmas.
