The holiday season is upon us once again! As everyone prepares to celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanza, let’s take a step back. How can you spread joy to others during this glorious season?
Share Your Talents To Spread Joy
Music is one of my favorite ways to celebrate Christmas. Many songs are special to me personally. If you are able to sing or play an instrument, sharing your talent with others will certainly help to spread joy this season.
- Join the church choir. Maybe your church performs a Christmas Cantata or boasts a Bell Choir and you’d like to perform with the group. Even if you are unable to commit year-round, many churches welcome the extra musicians this time of year.
- Gather some friends and go caroling. This is a fun and rewarding community service event. Going around the neighborhood looking and sounding festive can put others in the holiday spirit.
- Visit elderly residents in nursing or personal care homes. Organize a group of kids and adults to sing carols and hymns to brighten lives and spread joy.
- Bake some treats. Purchasing gifts for neighbors and distant relatives can get super expensive. If you don’t know people well enough to buy something, why not make something to give instead? If you know your way around the kitchen, baking cookies, muffins, or loaves of bread is another way to spread joy and love.
- Decorate your home. We put lights outside because we love looking at them, but also because we want to share the joy of the season with others. One of our favorite things to do is drive around town close to Christmas and look at the lights that people display. I think it’s a gift that can be shared with everyone.
‘Tis The Season To Give
I would rather someone donate money or toys to charity than to buy me something I don’t need. As a functional, employed adult, if I want or need something, I buy it. Unfortunately, there are people who don’t have the resources to do this.
We have a local charity called “Share The Joy” that was founded by our school nurse in the 70’s or 80’s. This charity accepts donations to provide coats, hats, gloves, and more to local families in need.
Other programs include “Stuff the Bus” (charities accept donations of new clothing and toys with the goal of filling a bus), “Salvation Army’s Angel Tree” (you choose a tag off of a Christmas Tree for a child or adult with a wished-for item and clothing sizes), and “Marine Toys for Tots” (new unwrapped toys are collected and distributed to kids in need).
It is better to give than to receive.
I hate to think of a child waking up on Christmas morning with nothing under the tree. Even a $5 toy can make a huge difference in the life of a child.
Participate in local food drives and donate inexpensive, non-perishable items. It’s a great way to pay forward your good fortune.
Give Your Time
Even if you have no musical talent and no money, everyone has something to give. Sharing an hour or two with an elderly or disabled relative, friend, or neighbor can make a huge impact and spread joy. Volunteer to read to someone who has lost their vision or play a game with someone who is lonely.
Time can be one of the most valuable things we possess. Managing it effectively to include making time for others will not only spread joy to them but will fill your heart with cheer as well.
Let your light shine bright this holiday season. No matter how you choose to spread joy, remember to keep your generous deed to yourself. That’s what makes it so special!
Until Next Time,
April
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