The holidays are a fun but often stressful time. And for many it is a practically hard year. So whether you are doing well or struggling, why not take some time to give back? Not sure what to do? Here are twelve things to get you started. And don’t do it just this time of year – make giving back part of your New Year’s Resolution too!
- Donate money to a charitable cause – so many good organizations have seen a huge drop in donations this year, so help them out.
- If you can’t donate money, donate your time. Volunteer to stuff envelops or answer phones – any little bit counts.
- Giving back doesn’t have to be outside the home. Our loved ones sometimes may feel neglected while you’re out shopping or planning. So give your kids a hug and tell them how much you love them.
- Along that same line, tell your spouse how much you appreciate them this holiday season and throughout the year.
- Donate your professional services. If you’re in OD – give pro-bono services to your local charity. The work you do will be very helpful long-term.
- Serve food at your local soup kitchen – more people are homeless now than ever, so help to make their lives a bit easier.
- Another group suffering during these hard times are pets. Many pets are now also homeless and living in shelters because their owners couldn’t care for them anymore. This is very hard on a pet. So donate your time to some good homeless pet organizations like the ASPCA or Best Friends. And remember – pets are more than dogs and cats. There are many homeless horses and farm animals too.
- Help a friend in need – this can take the form of running errands for a stressed friend to offering to buy Christmas presents for a friend’s children if your friend is cash-strapped.
- Give back by bringing joy to a hospital or retirement home. Bring a good joke book or funny movie and spread some holiday laughter.
- Thank your parents!
- Send an overseas greeting card to our troops. You can do this by going to Any Soldier and following the instructions. Your kind words would mean a lot to someone in harm’s way.
- Clean out your closets! Your ‘old’ clothes, games, and household accessories are very helpful to people that don’t have much. If you are a working professional than really clean out your used business attire. Those items are in high demand.
There are many other things that you can do to show your family, friends, and community you care. So get creative and start giving back!
