The holiday season is upon us, and many of us have already begun to celebrate. From trimming trees to lighting candles, it’s the time of year to fill your homes (and hearts) with holiday joy.
But there’s no need to stop at your front door. Let the spirit of the season radiate outward from your house into your community. Some homeowners hang outdoor lights and decorations to help make the neighbourhood “merry and bright.” But that’s not the only way to share the magic of the holidays with others.
Not sure where to start? Check out these 9 inspirational ideas for spreading cheer far and near!
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
You probably don’t have to look far to find someone who could benefit from a gift or kind gesture this time of year. Try one (or all) of these ideas for sharing the season with those closest to home.
1. Host a Holiday Party
Hosting a neighbourhood holiday party is a great way to reconnect with old friends and welcome new families to the community. And it doesn’t necessarily require a huge investment of time or money. Plan a potluck dinner and ask your guests to bring a dish or drink to share. Or host a holiday cookie exchange and ask everyone to bring a couple dozen of their favorite cookies to swap with other guests.
2. Help a Neighbour in Need
The holiday season is the perfect time to offer help to a neighbour in need. Next time you head out to shovel the snow, take care of an elderly neighbour’s, as well. Or drop off dinner for a friend who is recovering from surgery.
3. Treat Your Mail and Package Carriers
Extend comfort and joy from your own front porch during your postal and package carriers’ busiest time of year.1 While many of us love the convenience of shopping online for holiday gifts, the boom in e-commerce has exponentially increased the workload for our postal and package carriers, some of whom work up to 70 hours a week during the holiday season.2
DON’T STOP AT YOUR STREET … BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO EVERYONE YOU MEET
Surprise and delight those you encounter with a small act of kindness or a generous gesture. ‘Tis the season of giving, but the reaction you get in return may be the best gift of all!
4. Overtip
Don’t be a Grinch when it comes to tipping at the holidays. Your waiter, your Uber driver, and your hairdresser will all appreciate an extra-generous tip this time of year.
International etiquette expert Sharon Schweitzer recommends that you start by setting a budget for holiday tips and prioritizing those you most want to thank.3 Place those who help you most frequently at the top of your list—such as your trusted housekeeper, nanny, or daycare provider. Consider frequency and length of the relationship to determine an appropriate amount.
Everyone could use a little extra cash around the holidays. If you can afford it, share a bit of your abundance with others.
5. Thank Those Who Don’t Get a Holiday
Santa isn’t the only one working on Christmas. Emergency workers, hospital staff and many others will be working to make your holiday safe and bright.
Say “thank you” by bringing breakfast to the firehouse or police station on Christmas morning or by dropping off a tray of goodies for the hard-working hospital staff on New Year’s Eve. Keep a stash of treats or coffee-shop gift cards on hand to pass out to those you encounter working over the holidays. And, if appropriate, a generous tip is always appreciated!
6. Fill Stockings for the Homeless
Not everyone gets to go “home for the holidays.” You can bring a little cheer and comfort to a homeless person this year with a holiday care kit.
Pick up some inexpensive Christmas stockings from a craft store and fill them with a variety of useful items, such as:
● Bandages
● Bottled water
● Gloves
● Lip balm
● Lotion
● Socks
● Tissues
● Toothbrush and toothpaste
As an added touch, include a sweet treat and a handwritten note wishing them a happy holiday. Hand the stockings out at a shelter or keep a stash in your car so you can offer one when you encounter someone in need.
7. Offer Warmth on a Cold Day
As temperatures drop, some members of our community will be left out in the cold. Our local homeless population is especially vulnerable this time of year, but so are many families living in poverty. Health experts warn that a two-degree drop in body temperature can result in reduced heart rate, lack of coordination, and confusion, making it difficult for adults to work and children to learn.4
You can help by bringing your old but gently-used coats to a collection site. Leave a note in the pocket wishing the recipient a warm and happy holiday. Or tie a scarf around a tree and attach a sign that says: “I am not lost. If you need this to stay warm, please take it!”
8. Pay Off a Stranger’s Layaway
Some large retailers offer layaway options during the holidays so that shoppers can pay for their purchases a little at a time. Media stories often surface this time of year about anonymous donors who pay off a stranger’s layaway account to the surprise and delight of the recipient.
This is a great way to help a family that may not qualify for charitable assistance but is on a limited budget for holiday gifts. If you have a particular interest in helping kids, you can ask to pay off an account that consists primarily of children’s items.
9. Donate Toys to a Tot
One of the most popular ways to give back during the holidays is to participate in a toy drive. There are a number of great charities that collect toys for children of low-income families.
Before you shop, find out if the organization has a wish list of preferred items or guidelines for wrapping and labeling the gift. Check the drop-off deadline to ensure your gift will reach its intended recipient in time.
If you have children, involve them in the process of selecting and purchasing the gift so they can experience the joy of giving to those less fortunate, too.
Sources:
1. NASDAQ -
https://www.nasdaq.com/article/fedex-and-ups-deliver-another-record-holiday-season-cm898487
2. The Kansas City Star -
https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/workplace/article189245104.html
3. Huffington Post -
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sharon-schweitzers-2017-holiday-tipping-guide-checklist_b_5a037fc3e4b0c7511e1b398c
4. One Warm Coat -
https://www.onewarmcoat.org/theneed/
Comments:
Post Your Comment: