In our lives we can have moments where we falter, feel overwhelmed, and sometimes we fall. Then there are days when we are joyful and experience the abundance inherent to life.
This holiday season I have been writing posts to help honor, celebrate, and design a holiday experience focused on self-care and Christmas cheer. Today, I want to take a moment to talk about spreading the Christmas cheer.
While we are not responsible for another person’s life, there are things we can do to help lessen the burdens and pain in a person’s life. We can reduce the pain in this world.
In addition, we are part of the same world. We are connected, and this connection not only means that we are influenced by others but that we too can be the influence. A positive influence for a person or community in need.
Today and as we continue to count our way down to Christmas I encourage you to consider what you can safely do to not only honor yourself but honor the connection we have with all of life.
Ideas...
Adopt a Family:
If you are in the financial position, consider adopting a family for the holidays. This can take many shapes. Whether it’s buying the children their presents (being one of Santa’s helpers), buying their Christmas dinner, or something more long term- what can you do to help?
Look At What Your Local Community is Doing:
If you are unsure of who needs aid or wish to keep your support local, check out what your local community is putting together.
In my local community we have Christmas Wishing Trees, where people sign up for presents for their children. The food bank can have plans. As well as the local Senior Centers.
My local credit union, P1FCU has this announcement on their website:
“Season of Giving:
Community members can nominate a deserving friend or neighbor to receive a complete turkey dinner personally delivered to their home the week of Christmas. We are accepting nominations until December 12, 2021.”
What is your local community doing?
Invite A Friend or Neighbor:
If financially you are not in a place to be making donations, consider inviting a neighbor or friend for the holidays. While food and presents are important, so is mental health.
Being along during the holiday season is a contributing factor to depression and even suicide. We all need reminders that we are not alone. Reminders that each of us matters.
Who do you know is spending Christmas alone this year? Can you invite them for a holiday dinner, game night, or holiday brunch?
A Coupon Booklet:
Another great gift that is money free, is a homemade coupon booklet. If you know someone in need, maybe a friend, neighbor, or senior citizen- can you offer some services that they might need. Not just during the holiday season, but into the new year as well?
Do they need their lawn mowed, a trip to the groceries, or free babysitting? What do they need? How can you help them?
Support Life- Human, Animal, and Mother Earth:
While we often think of families in need during the holidays, there are others too. Be it animals or even the environment, can you help them?
Is there a local animal shelter in need?
Is there an environmental initiative that needs donations or letters written to the government?
Final Thoughts:
Many of us have much to be grateful for. We have food, water, a home, warmth, and a family. We know for a fact that there will be Christmas presents underneath the tree. We can look around us and see the Christmas decorations.
So how can you spread the Christmas cheer this year? How can you become one of Santa’s helpers and prove that magic, blessings, and miracles are real?
-For more ideas about giving back, click here for my post during 2019’s Christmas Countdown.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Chickadee!