One of my favourite things about Christmas is how much more inspired people are to be kinder to those around them. It may not seem like that as you see a mother elbowing someone else's child out of the way to get the last toy left in The Entertainer, but it is true. The turn in the weather, and the fact that Christmas forces us to spend quality time with other people, and think about what they would like most in the world all help in the lead up. I also think that more people thinking about their faith at this time of year helps to remind them to give to those less fortunate. So, if you're feeling inspired to help others this Christmas too, then here are ten things you can do:
1.) Spend some time talking to a local homeless person, and wrap them up a gift that you think they'd enjoy.
2.) Send money to support the citizens of Aleppo, or simply spread the word about the massacre that's occurring (something that the media seems to be overlooking)
3.) Make sure no relative or friend dines alone on Christmas Day. There's always room for one more around the table.
4.) Challenge yourself to buy people thoughtful gifts. And if you can't think of something, talk to them, and find out what they're loving or lusting after at the moment.
5.) Give a Christmas card to everyone you know: it could be their only one.
6.) Gift toys to a local children's hospital.
7.) Help out at a retirement centre, or get a group together to put on a show.
8.) Do something extra to make a child in your family's Christmas that bit more magical.
9.) Surprise your other half with something on Christmas evening that lets them know how grateful you are to be spending the most wonderful day of the year with them.
10.) Make your New Years resolutions about what you can do for others, rather than yourself.
What would you add to the list?
Your list is one of the best of its kind I've seen. Especially No. 10. Years ago I was hanging around in a church porch while my sister investigated graves (ancestor hunting, I hasten to add, she's not a vampire as far as I know) and a little handwritten card on the notice board caught my eye. It said, “The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy is to make others so.” I try to make it the basis of my behaviour. Fight negativity and help others fight theirs.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a joyous 2017 to you and the bunny :)
That quote is so lovely! I hope 2017 treats you well!
DeleteSteph x
Awww such lovely ideas! I love giving back at this time of year, this year I volunteered for a couple of hours at my local Tesco Neighbourhood Food Collection, collecting food and toiletries for the local food bank. I love the Christmas card idea, so simple yet could have so much impact.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely Christmas!!
Awh that's so lovely! I would love to do something like that next year. I always try to give something in to food banks or charity shops during the festive season
DeleteSteph x
This is so cute and such a nice thing to think of this time of year - it's so easy to get caught up in what you have and what you're doing, it's easy to forget about other people who might not be having such a good time.
ReplyDeleteThis year we bought extra toys when shopping for my brother's little girl and donated them to a local collection and we bought extra cans of food on our Christmas shop for food banks.
It really can mean the difference to someone's year, fab post sweetie!
www.twentysomethingmeltdown.com
I love seeing food bank bins in supermarkets at this time of year, I think it's so lovely and always try to pop a can or two in them
DeleteSteph x