Everyone loves the holiday season, right? Well, not exactly everyone. The holiday season can be a time of hardship for a lot of families. Some families cannot afford the basic necessities, and definitely not presents for their children on top of it. Some people are feeling more alone this time of year without loved ones around. Some people may not have family around, may live in a nursing home, among other scenarios. This time of happiness and joyful spirit should be enjoyable for everyone. Thinking about these people that are less fortunate shouldn’t get you down, but should instead inspire you to do something for them.

1. Pay it forward

You never know what someone is going through in life. Someone could be rude to you because they just lost one of their closest relatives, or could be battling poverty. Instead of taking this personally, just be considerate and “kill them with kindness”. Whether you come in contact directly with someone or not, you can still pay it forward. Whether you are at the drive through, grocery store, wherever, you can make someone’s day very quickly. You can just pay a little extra and ask the cashier to put it towards the person’s stuff behind you in line. They will be surprised at your kindness and you will already be gone. Therefore, there’s no need for any confrontation with them.

2. Visit a nursing home

People that live in a nursing home may not have loved ones around. They may be feeling lonely this time of year while everyone else is spending their time with families. An easy way to make someone’s holiday better is to visit a nursing home. Go and talk with these folks about anything. They may be more interesting than you think. The elderly have lived through different decades and may have some neat stories to tell. You can also entertain them with crafts as well. A cheap and easy entertainment tool is making Christmas ornaments. You can bring a multitude of cheap craft supplies and let them make their own or you can make them and bring them to them. They will be very happy to have something festive to put in their rooms.

3. Visit a soup kitchen or food pantry

If you have some spare time and want to volunteer this is a great idea. This doesn’t involve spending extra money. You can find these locations all over the United States and choose the one closest to you. They are always looking for volunteers to help collect food, as well as dish food out to those that come in. This is an easy way to be involved in your community and help others out that can’t afford a meal.

4. Operation Joy

If you ask around your community or look online, you will find groups that participate in operation joy. This program is designed to help families in need that cannot afford necessities. These boxes will be filled with gear for the winter (for colder states) such as coats, hats, and gloves. There will be nonperishable food items as well as the occasional small gift for children. The families will send in a request with the things they need this holiday season and with the help of donations, they are able to receive these boxes. You can donate items to this program or volunteer to deliver boxes. The families are usually very grateful to receive the boxes so delivering them will always put a smile on your face.

5. Charities / Giving Tree

There are many charities and programs set up in each state to help those that are less fortunate. At Siena College, we participate in this wonderful program called the “Franciscan Giving Tree”. There are Christmas trees set up all over campus. On these trees are little cards with a gender, an age and a request for what they need or want for Christmas. They range in diversity with the person, age, and type of gift. If you don’t have a lot of money there are some cheaper options and plenty to choose from. I’ve seen everything from winter clothing, gift cards, food baskets to small toys for children. This is a great way to help out those in need. I personally chose a child that needed winter gear and included a small toy so that he would have a good Christmas. Just thinking of the joy that will be brought to this child is enough to put me in the holiday spirit.

Christmas is a holiday all about giving and not receiving. I find joy in making others happy and participating in these activities does just that. If you’re looking to make someone smile this holiday season, consider one of these 4 options. Happy Holidays!