‘Tis the Season to Be Giving…

The holidays are a time when many of us are with our families. I know that some of us have lost people who we’re very close to, often making this time of year a season of mixed feelings. There are also some families who are unable to, or aren’t interested in, volunteering time or money to those in need. If that is the case in your home, ask friends to join you in one or more of these activities, or join a friend’s family as they volunteer to share their blessings, because this time of year is a perfect time to round up your family or friends and give. This year, choose to contribute money or time to help others have a memorable season, which in turn is giving back to God (Matthew 25:35-45).

Here are some ways you can give this holiday season:

  • Look around the house and find unused and outgrown coats in good condition. Donate them to a winter coat drive in your area.
  • Select an angel off an angel tree at a local school or grocery store. Choose to offer some of the money that would be spent on your Christmas presents to buy presents for a less fortunate child.
  • Spend a day with your family or friends preparing a meal for someone in the community. Then deliver it together.
  • Bake cookies and take them to several people (shut-ins, single or working mothers, etc.).
  • Make Christmas cards to send to serving soldiers in the Middle East. Also send them a box of goodies (homemade cookies, razors, and other items they may need). Look online to find a list of approved and needed items to send.
  • Baby-sit for a busy mother so that she can do some shopping, cleaning, or relaxing. (Don’t let her pay you remember, you are giving your time.)
  • As a family, shovel driveways and sidewalks in your neighborhood after a big snow.

There are many ways to give this season. Does your family already have “giving” traditions? If not, be creative and come up with additional ideas that suit your family. Be the one in your family to initiate giving! Encourage them to remember all the things they are blessed with. And when you give, whether it’s of your time, money, or talents, remember to give with a cheerful heart.

By Lisa Grimenstein

How does your family like to give? Feel free to leave a comment stating your own giving ideas.

Comments

  1. Wonderful ideas. This year, we don’t have much, and have truly limited our giving within our family, but we are helping whenever we can. Our Dave Ramsey class adopted a few families, and we put together two large boxes of clothing, including boots and a winter coat, for a 2 year old. More unneeded clothes are going to a little girl whose mother is dying of cancer. Still more will be going to a domestic violence agency. I figure, we were so blessed with help on our kids’ clothes and there is only so many clothing items they need!

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