Giving Back Over the Holidays

Tis the season where we gather and share presents and joy with loved ones. We count our blessings and show gratitude for all we have gained and all we have accomplished throughout the year. Big or small, a year is a long time to fulfill dreams and learn new things.

This can also be the time of year to realize any loss or failures we’ve had along the way. While it is typically joyful and embraced, it can also be depressing and some may come to realize how hard life has been. Hardships and a sense of lacking can really rear it’s ugly head during the holidays.

This is where giving back plays a massive roll. Spreading love and sharing with others can be a simple way to give to those less fortunate. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, or it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. But the reward we feel within ourselves makes it all worth it’s while.

Here are some beautiful ideas in how to give back this holiday season.

Volunteer

Volunteering in general is a super kind gesture. This can be at a soup kitchen to serve food to those without homes, or visit a seniors home to read to the residents. Maybe you can assist at your church, or for a children’s event in your town. Volunteering is always an easy way to both give back and feel a sense of pride in what you have done.

Food Donations

There is always a need for non-perishable food at food banks all over the country, especially at this time of year. There are usually donation boxes spread all over town. These can be found at grocery stores, the post office, banks, churches and often even in independent stores. While any donation is a good thing, I recommend also taking things a step further and looking into the local needs of what may be lacking in donation centers. This could be specific foods that have been in demand, hygiene products or things like diapers and wipes.

Donate to your Favourite Charity

This does not have to cost you a lot, but it can feel good to give back with a money donation. In Ontario, money donations over a certain amount can be written off within your taxes each year. Children’s charities, animal shelters, world causes and disease research are just to name a few incredible charities to consider this holiday season.

Clothing Drives

Winter wear is always in demand during this chilly time of year. We often replace our winter coats, mitts, scarves, hats or boots, yet our previous ones are not completely worn out. They still have use in them and giving these away is an awesome way to recycle them. Even purchasing gloves, mittens, scarves or hats at a dollar store and donating them is an inexpensive and cherished gift. Socks are always something forgotten yet needed at donation centers. And with the seasons change, when we sort through our wardrobes and remove items that we no longer gravitate towards, donating these things can go to someone who will love them.

Offer Babysitting Services

This is a more personal way to give back. Think about your family members or friends who are in desperate need of a date night. You can step up and offer to watch their kids while they have some real time alone with adult conversation. It often goes unnoticed, but is so important for parents to reconnect without being surrounded by children. This can be a short as a couple hours for them to enjoy a dinner out, up to a weekend allowing them to get away and share new experiences together. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Friends and Family

While it may seem simple, it can be a lost gesture to reach out to family and friends over the holidays. This can be through a Christmas card in the mail, an email, a phone call or a short text. Checking in with those we may not get to see very often let’s them know we are thinking of them and can do wonders to their self-esteem. A visit is an even bigger gesture and can make someone’s whole year! Cold and dreary weather along with the holidays can really bring on seasonal depression for many people, who often hide it from others. These simple gestures can make a huge difference in their day, their week or even their year. For those who live further away, or may not have the means to attend holiday events for whatever reasons, they can often feel forgotten or stay quiet to not bring attention to them not being in attendance. Reach out and let them know they are in your thoughts and how much you care about them.

Shovel a Neighbours Driveway

This is such a huge favour, and when done without asking, can truly turn someone’s day around! You could become someone’s hero when you remove a dreaded task off their plate. This has happened to me while I had a newborn at home and my husband was away at work and the thought of trying to navigate a way to clear the driveway after a massive snowstorm seemed impossible. The gratitude I felt for my neighbour who stepped up and took it upon himself to help was powerful.

What is a way you plan to give back this holiday season? It can be the smallest of things that make a difference in another’s day. Sharing your holiday baking, clearing someone’s steps or walkway, bringing someone a tea or coffee, or a simple wave across the street, these are all ways to spread kindness this holiday season. In a world lacking positivity in so many ways, small notions of spreading love and joy is a welcomed gesture to one and all.

Melanie xoxox