The Christmas season is upon us and is in full force! This jolly season can be hectic and sometimes people forget the true meaning of Christmas. It's not all about telling Santa what you want or making your house look the most festive in your neighborhood. It should be more about giving back to your community and helping those in need that can't celebrate Christmas in the same way. Here are five easy things you can do to help spread your contagious Christmas cheer!
1. Sing Christmas Carols
If you are musically inclined this is a perfect option! People of all ages can enjoy music to get them in the Christmas spirit. Go to any shelter, retirement home, or hospital and sing your most favorite Christmas songs; especially the only Christmas song worth hearing - "Jingle Bell Rock".
2. Donate to the Salvation Army Bell-Ringers
The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization that helps meet human needs mainly during the holiday season. Lots of times you can find and "hear" these kind souls sitting outside of Wal-Mart or different shops in a mall. Giving just some spare change may not seem like a lot but, all that money can add up quickly and be used in the most helpful ways.
3. Bake Christmas Cookies
Baking Christmas cookies is a fundamental tradition for most families. You can spend time baking with the people you love most and then give some cookies away to someone else! Not to mention, you can also donate food to your local homeless shelter for an unforgettable Christmas dinner.
4. Send Christmas Cards
It's crazy to think that sending cards in the mail is almost a thing of the past. Sure, sending an email or a quick text message can get the job done, but there is something about receiving an actual hand-written card that can brighten anyones holiday. You don't even have to spend money on cards at a store because you can easily make your own! Send cards to the brave men and women fighting for our country that cannot spend Christmas with their family, the elderly, or children in a foster home.
5. Donate Clothing and Toys
On a cold December day when you have nothing better to do, you can reminisce and look for old toys and clothes you don't wear anymore to donate to a shelter or foster home. Some children don't get the ideal Christmas they all deserve. You can be the Santa in their life and provide them with a warm coat to wear or a fun new toy to play with.
Doing all of these things is easier said than done and there are so many other ways to give back. Find some time this holiday season to brighten someones day and spread joy and kindness during the most festive time of the year.