We all know it's better to give than to receive, and that is especially true during the holiday season. Unfortunately, it's not easy for everyone to have a holly, jolly Christmas. That's where you step in. Here are a few ways to spread holiday cheer with those around you.
1. Sing loud for all to hear.
Take some advice from Buddy the elf. Join a Christmas choir or just get some friends and go caroling at a school or nursing home. I did this in high school and you won't believe how much of a difference it makes to these people who are often forgotten.
2. Deck the halls.
It's not only fun for you, but it will brighten someone's day (especially if you use a lot of lights!) On our hall, we noticed that decorating our door inspired others to cheer up our drab corner of the dorm.
3. Donate blood.
Hey, it's red, right? But seriously, blood banks in the U.S. normally experience a shortage of blood and platelet donations around the holidays because people are busy and leaving town. As students, we're normally home and far from busy now that finals are over. So, take your iPad and sit in a chair for an hour watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas while you save someone's life.
4. Be an angel.
Regardless of your faith, an angel tree is a great way to help the less fortunate in your community have a holly, jolly Christmas. Talk to a school near you or the Salvation Army to see how you can set up an angel tree and I promise they'll be happy to help you get one started.
5. Give someone a silent night.
Christmas can be a pretty crazy time, especially for families with young kids. To help the moms and dads out there, grab some friends or sorority sisters and put together a group babysitting service. Let parents drop their kids off for some (free) coloring, snacks and singing while they work with Santa to put presents under the tree.
6. Bake some cookies.
... and take them to a food pantry or local charity. Yes, canned goods and checks are great, but sometimes a few holiday sweets can put a smile on someone's face.
7. Share your favorite Christmas storybooks.
We all had our favorite Christmas stories as children like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "The Polar Express" and "Elf on the Shelf." Talk to a local librarian about helping with a Christmas story time for the little elves your neighborhood.
8. Brave the cold.
Christmas can get pretty chilly, especially for our neighbors who don't have a warm place to stay. Find some cheap scarves and coats or go through your closet to find sweaters and gloves you don't wear anymore and give them to a local homeless shelter. You can even get creative and tie scarves to trees like these clever people did.
9. And give some warm hugs.
Some people just need a hug to get through the holidays. Stand outside a store nearby and share the holiday spirit with a wish for a Merry Christmas and a hug (but please be sure to ask if it's okay first).
10. Send merry wishes to soldiers.
With all the craziness while you're home for the holidays, we can sometimes forget the families who are apart because a father, mother or sibling is serving our country. Send some cheer their way by sending a card to a soldier and doing something nice for the family.
11. Share the roast beast.
Cindy Lou Who got it right when she said "no one should be alone on Christmas," yet so many people are for some reason. Invite the lady down the street or the man around the corner to have Christmas dinner with your family.
This year, get excited for Christmas and share your holiday spirit and make it someone else's most wonderful time of the year. Your heart might just grow three sizes today.
