Rolling into the Season of Giving

Halloween has gone as quick as it came. Now we have officially moved into the season of giving. While planning and prepping for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the reason for the season is sometimes forgotten. We have all been guilty of getting wrapped up in finding that sold out toy for our child or stressing about hosting and feeding our entire family for Thanksgiving. We are here to remind you to take time, relax, spend time with your family, and give back to your community. These few things may seem like silly reminders but they are what will feed our soul during this whirlwind of a season.

So, you want to get involved but don’t know where to start or what to do? We have a list below of different ways you and your family can give back this holiday season. Most of the suggestions below are simple, do not cost much to do and are all things you can do as a family.

10 Ways to Give Back as a Family this Season

1. Bake cookies or a casserole. This may get a little messy but this is an easy way to get kids involved. As a family, you can deliver food to the local fire or police department or bring meals to a single mother or elderly neighbor.
2. Pack stockings for the homeless. Buy some cheap stockings and fill them with practical items. Ideas for stuffers include: granola bars, hand warmers, hat/gloves, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, and bottled water.
3. Hold an annual toy clear out. As your children (or your husband) prep for brand new toys, have them clear out their rooms and toy bins by donating some old ones to children in need. Similarly, you can take your children to the store and have them pick out a toy they would love and donate those toys to charity.
4. Visit a local nursing home. Call to set up an appointment with the home. Bring cards and decorations to brighten up a few rooms and hallways. You can also sing a few Christmas carols to the residents.
5. Adopt a family. Many local organizations and religious groups offer this opportunity annually. Use some of your family’s designated holiday money to buy and/or make some gifts for a local family in need.
6. Donate to a food bank. Take your children on a special grocery shopping trip, where they can help pick out their favorite non perishables. Deliver them to the shelter together.
7. Babysit or wrap gifts for donations. This is a great option for teens and older children. They can offer these services in exchange for a donation. The donation can go right to an organization or be used to sponsor a family in need.
8. Take lunches to those who have to work on the holidays. As a family, prep some sack lunches and deliver them to police or fire stations or even retail stores filled with employees.
9. Host a party. Hospitality is a great way to give back to those you love around the holidays. Incorporate your kids into the planning and invitation process. Make sure to think of the people in your neighborhood that may get overlooked like the family new to the neighborhood, the quiet elderly woman down the street or the coworker or neighbor with no family close by. Check out our group event options if you decide you want to have a holiday party on skates.
10. Tackle something larger. Older children are informed and made aware of the world’s injustices. Talk to your children about problems (local or worldwide) and see what they would want to change or are passionate about. Help them find practical ways to get involved.

Whether you go caroling at the local nursing home or bring your favorite casserole recipe down to the fire station, we challenge you all to do something in the community this holiday season. We hope you have as much fun giving back to the community as we will this holiday season.