Whether you have a healthy holiday budget when it comes to shopping for family and friends this holiday season or not-so-much, remember that giving the gift of kindness is rarely expensive, but always carries an immeasurable value for the recipient. It truly can be the gift that keeps on giving. Need some inspiration? Read on.
Food for the Soul.
Know someone that’s busy caring for a friend or family member that may not be in the best of health? Cook up a meal for the helper’s family and drop it off so they have one less dinner to worry about planning. Even better, gather some friends together and form a team to do it on a regular basis.
Warm their Bones.
Love the mailman or lady that faithfully brings your correspondence or the Fed-Ex or UPS worker bringing packages to your home and want to show a bit of gratitude? Remember and recognize that he or she has to work despite the weather forecast – cold temps, snow, rain and all. Greet him or her with their favorite cup or coffee or some hot chocolate in a to-go mug that will keep it insulated. Some cookies or other baked goods are a perfect pairing.
Watch the Kids.
Know some parents sapped after virtual schooling? If you feel comfortable doing so, offer to watch their kids so they can enjoy some alone time to decompress or enjoy a date-night out.
Be a Child’s Angel.
Look to local foster care agencies and the like to see if they are hosting an angel tree or if they have a list of items they’re hoping to have donated. You just may have some gently used items around your home to round up that could enjoy a new life with someone in need.
Host a Furry Friend.
Offer to help a friend out that might need his or her dog walked while at work, or offer to stop in to play with their kitty and feed him or her if they have a busy schedule. If you’re an animal lover, rescue groups are particularly busy during the holiday season and likely could use help with fostering an animal in need. Reach out to some local ones to see how you might be of service.
Help a Cause.
Know a friend that works to volunteer with a cause near and dear to his or her heart? Join them! The gift of companionship is valued now more than ever. Perhaps you can help serve meals at an area shelter, or you could join in collecting books to donate to a local library.
Write Letters.
Handwriting letters and cards and mailing or hand-delivering them to a recipient never goes out of style. Consider doing this for a nursing home in your area. You may be surprised at just how much it means to the residents there. They’ve been experiencing more isolation than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic and are a population we should all be keeping in our minds and hearts.
Outdoor Maintenance.
Have a neighbor who shouldn’t be shoveling his or her walkway or mowing his or her yard? It’s the perfect job for a teen to tackle. Have them learn the value of kindness by pitching in, even when help isn’t requested.
