Spreading Holiday Cheer During the Season

Happy Holidays! The holidays are right around the corner and as much as I would love to write about what you can do to celebrate, I think there is something much more meaningful about this time of year. Yes, you can decorate, put up the tree, and make those holiday treats, but nothing will spread holiday cheer than doing something selfless. There are so many people this time of year who don’t have so much love surrounding them. So, I think it’s important that we spread the warm and fuzzy feelings as far as we can. Everyone deserves it.

This first one has to be my favorite thing. I’ve seen people do it all the time, and although it hasn’t happened to me, it seems like the *thing* to do lately. What better way to spread holiday cheer than picking up someone’s tab at the drive thru? I think this is possibly the sweetest thing you can do for a stranger. Imagine their face when they pull up to the payment window and the worker says the car in front of them paid. Like wow, that would warm my heart and make my entire year. It’s such a small act of kindness and is BOUND to make someone’s day. I definitely want to do it at some point this season, so consider trying it as well! Pull up to that Starbucks and tell them you’re paying for the car behind you. I promise you’ll never regret doing something like that for someone.

Now, maybe it’s just because I love baking but NO ONE can resist a good banana bread or warm dessert for the holidays. I feel like it’s so easy to get a few boxes of pre-made baking mixes and just chef it up in the kitchen for a few hours. You can give it out to your neighbors or friends or family. Just everyone, why not? You can never go wrong with food, that’s for sure. When I was little, my mom used to make a few cranberry breads and banana breads and then have my elder sister and I take them to neighbors. On top of that, we would wear Christmas colors and Santa hats and say we were elves. The neighbors LOVED it. I’d like to think that it was something simple that they appreciated and always remembered.

We all have traditions around holiday time. Some of us might drive around looking at lights in the neighborhood, and others might cook something traditional for the whole family to enjoy. Whatever it is, there is always space for a new tradition. Even better, a selfless one. I’m positive that at this time of year, there are shelters and soup kitchens that need an extra hand or more. Take your whole family or group of friends and volunteer somewhere! This is a busy time of year and you can make a difference. If you are strapped on time, consider donating to a non-profit of your choice. Holiday time can be stressful for them especially if they’re helping the homeless or even stray animals. Make this a yearly thing and you’ve got a new tradition!

Holiday time can put a bit of strain on your bank account. It’s okay, I totally get it. We’ve all been there. If you can’t pick up a tab at a drive thru, it’s absolutely okay. Don’t feel like you can’t spread that holiday cheer. Here’s your budget friendly option – write cards. There are super cheap cards literally anywhere, even the dollar store. Get a bunch and personalize them. Write out notes to all your loved ones and send them out to them. Trust me, they will read it and will feel all the warm and fuzzy feelings. This is so easy to do when you’re on a budget. It’s great to do when you have lots of people on your list and want something thoughtful and meaningful to give to each of them. So, get those cards and get to writing!

While many of us could be on break from school or off from work during this season, there are also others who are not. We have family that might be working, even on the holidays or friends who are stuck catching up on school work and trying to make it. It will mean more to them than you know to check up on them. They might be super busy but your quick text, call, or FaceTime will let them know that someone is thinking about them. You don’t need to do anything extravagant like send a gift, just a check-up will do. Even more, there are those who have lost someone during this time. Check out this blog for ways to show them you are by their side through it.

I hope you were able to get some ideas for how to spread the holiday cheer this season. I know they can sometimes be out of the norm and something you’re not used to, but I know they will fill your heart with love. Doing something kind for someone else is the reason for the season. Spread love. Happy Holidays!