10 Ways to Give Back for Christmas

Christmas season is often filled with “me, me, me” and people concerned about getting presents. While it’s always nice to receive a sweet gift, it’s also good to remember that Christmas is about giving, not necessarily getting. Here are just a few simple ways that you (and your family) can give back this Christmas season.

Drives

There are actually tons of community, school, and work drives that you can get involved in to help give back. Find a food drive, toy drive, or any other drive and just start doing as much as you can. You can get the whole family involved in buying supplies to give to the charity.

Volunteer

While volunteer opportunities exist all year round, there are plenty to be filled around Christmas. You don’t just need to do the ordinary: retirement homes, food banks, church services, etc. Make it a little more fun for you and your kids by volunteering at an animal shelter or somewhere the kids can give service and get their energy out.

Blankets for Hospitals

If you like sewing and making things, try your hand at sowing blankets for local hospitals. Certain versions can be pretty easy to make, and you can even ask the hospital what kind of themes certain patients would like for their blankets.

Random Acts of Kindness

You actually don’t even need to provide structured opportunities for you and your family to give back during Christmas. Just focus on trying to do random acts of kindness throughout the day. Smile at someone, hold a door open, de-ice someone’s windows. Anything small that can spread the Christmas spirit.

Donate Blood

The holiday season is, unfortunately, a time when lots of accidents occur and an increase of blood is needed. Give back to the community by giving blood to the blood bank. This can literally save someone’s life, the best Christmas present you could ever give their family.

Christmas Dinner

If you know someone who will be alone on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, consider inviting them over to have dinner with you and your family. It’s never fun to spend the holidays alone, so your invite can really brighten up someone’s day.

Packages for Soldiers

Another great idea to give back is making packages and sending them off to soldiers. They spend all their time defending and protecting our country, so a kind “thank you” during the time when they’re so far from their family can be an awesome opportunity.

Donate Wrapping Paper

If you don’t have a lot of money to give back with this year, no need to fret. You can buy a few rolls of wrapping paper and donate them to charities that have toy and present drives. Believe it or not, these charities need lots of wrapping paper, so your donation can be exactly what they need!

Bake Treats

The cold, dark winter nights make us all want a nice, warm cookie or cup of hot cocoa. Spend an afternoon making yummy Christmas treats with your family and then take them to neighbors or friends that need some holiday spirit.

Shovel Snow and Give Service

If you have any elderly citizens living in your neighborhood or people who need help, shoveling snow and other service is greatly appreciated. Don’t wait for them to ask for help; go and get to it right when the need arises!