Just like the Grinch learned, giving back to others has a way of making your heart grow three sizes bigger. However, the holidays can often feel rushed with everyone racing to get the best presents, rushing to visit family and friends, and decorate their homes. With all of this going on, it can be hard to slow down and give back to the community during this time of busy chaos. But giving back doesn’t have to be hard or add to your to-do list this Winter. The good news is that there are countless ways to make a genuine difference this season that won’t break your budget or your schedule. So, here’s a couple ideas that you could try out this season!
- . SHELTERS AND VOLUNTEERING
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When thinking about the holidays we often forget about those in need. Some people don’t have a home to go to, a family to love them with open arms, or even a hot meal. To show how grateful we are to have those things ourselves, it is important to give back. One of the ways to do so can be by volunteering in shelters that help people get access to a warm bed and serve them with warmth and compassion.
We all need a little extra push this holiday season, why not spend it serving the community. Volunteering can be done anywhere and at any time! God has granted us with so many blessings, it is time to bless those who need it back.
- . DRIVES AND DONATIONS
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As a kid most of us grew up hoping to have gotten some cool toys or gifts from Santa on Christmas morning, some kids sadly don’t get to receive that. This holiday season we should focus less on the things we want to receive and more on the things we want to give back. Those in need may wake up not having received gifts, and many lack basic items such as food and clothes during the Winter season. This season let’s give back by participating in various drives such as clothing drives, food drives, and even toy drives. This contribution can make an important difference in people’s lives and help bring joy to others while also being quite fulfilling.
- . ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTING
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The holiday season rings synonymous with piles of wrapping paper, single-use plastics, and last-minute gifts that often end up in a landfill by the end of January. So, giving back this season can also mean caring for our environment and being a little extra conscious of our gifting choices. By choosing thoughtful and sustainable alternatives, we can reduce waste and truly make a meaningful impact. Reusable items like stainless steel water bottles, reusable tote bags, or beeswax wraps are great, quality items that are also incredibly useful. Upcycled or handmade gifts like knitted/crocheted pieces, handmade soaps, or thrifted treasures are thoughtful alternatives to fast-fashion throwaways.
Locally made products from meaningful small businesses can also be great for unique and considerate presents. Lastly, experience gifts like tickets to a local event or museum passes could be a great change of pace from standard materialistic gifts.
- . COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
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As the weather gets colder and snow blankets the neighborhood, it’s more important than ever to pitch in for the community and help those in need. Community clean-up is often thought of as a springtime activity, yet icy sidewalks, buried litter, and public spaces need attention throughout the entire year. Winter clean-ups are especially important as they keep our pathways safe, help our fellow neighbours who may struggle with winter upkeep, and keep our shared spaces clean and beautiful. So, a simple but impactful way to give back this winter could be to salt sidewalks, offer your elderly or disabled neighbours assistance with snow removal, or collect stray pieces of litter buried in the snow or ice. Remember to wear weather-appropriate clothing and stay safe!
So, while the weather is changing and our lives are getting busy, let’s not forget to change others’ as well. While the Grinch tried to steal Christmas, we can give back this Christmas by helping our community through volunteering and drives, promoting clean ups, and participating in more sustainable gifting. This Winter let’s carry a spirit of generosity and kindness to support one another and share in meaningful moments!