The holiday season brings all sorts of emotions to many people. As promised, we wanted to share a few ways to have a more meaningful holiday no matter what you celebrate (or don’t celebrate). Here are seven ways to have a charitable holiday season:
1. Give to the less fortunate (James 2:15-17): As a family, hand out blankets, coats and food to those who are struggling or donate them to organizations in your neighborhood. Also, find out about local shelters and share these resources especially with those on the streets as hand-outs can only go so far.
2. Visit those who are hurting (James 1:27): You don’t have to go to a hospital or hospice to visit someone who is hurting (although you can); right within your circle, you may know of friends and family members who need a hug or smile this season. Spend some quality time with those in need of company.
3. Share your blessings with others (Lev. 19:9-10, Deut. 24:21, Ruth 2): Sometimes, we are blessed with an abundance of a commodity. In the Bible, the children of Israel were encouraged to leave some of their produce in their fields for the poor and hungry to eat freely. If you grow your own food or create your own merchandise, share with those you know (family, community, coworkers, etc) and with those who don’t know.
4. Advocate for change (Psalm 82:3, Prov. 31:8-9): There are many organizations that need more volunteers and support from people passionate about their causes. Do your research and join groups that advocate help for those suffering directly and/or indirectly. If you cannot find any organization you would like to help with, why not start your own!
5. Help with someone’s chores (Prov. 18:24): It seems like there is always work to be done in the home. For some people, doing household chores is difficult due to physical challenges. For others, including those families with newborns, there is just no time to keep up with household tasks. Alleviate a friend’s stress this season by volunteering to help with whatever his or her needs may be in the house.
6. Enjoy the great outdoors (Psalm 19:1): Although it may be winter in December (according to where you live), plan to go out into nature and enjoy the crisp, cold season. There is plenty of beauty and grandeur in the snow-capped trees and bare trees, so take a walk (or even a hike) with others and count the blessings of The LORD even in winter.
7. Give a heartfelt token to one who cannot repay (Prov. 17:8): The holidays are synonymous with gift-giving, but this season, make a special effort to give a gift to someone who won’t/can’t repay you. You know the people around you: create something (make it personal) and give to a service-person, the mail carrier, a sanitation worker, the package delivery person, your newspaper boy, or whomever you feel impressed to give something to. You don’t have to wait until Christmas or Hanukkah to give this either: give freely and whenever the moment presents itself. If you prefer to give it anonymously, that may be even better, so get to work!
We hope these pointers are useful to you. Many are more cheerful (or even more grumpy) during the holidays for different reasons, so instead of adding to the stress and anxiety of these days, do something to bring a smile on your face and others. Let’s celebrate life and God’s love together.