The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the year and to help others. Giving does not have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity, you can impact someone in a positive way and they are likely to pass along the kindness. Can’t think of ways to do this? Here are a few ideas.
1. Pay it Forward at the Grocery Store
When you check out, hand the cashier $20 and ask them to apply that money towards the purchase of the person behind you. This will surely brighten their holiday season.
2. Thank your Parents this Holiday Season
Instead of sending your parents a card, hand-write a note telling them how much you appreciate them and how they have impacted your life.
3. Help Pay for Someone’s Gas
Tape an envelope with $10 inside to the credit card slot of a gas pump. Write a note that simply says “Thanks for finding this. Happy Holidays!”
4. Purchase a few Gifts for a Family in Need
Contact a local church or synagogue and ask if they have a family that needs help with a few gifts for the holidays. Tell them your budget and ask if you can purchase gifts within that budget. Ask them to keep the gift anonymous.
5. Tip your Mail Carrier
Leave $20 in cash for your mail carrier. They deliver your mail every week, why not give back during the holiday season?
6. Gift your Crafts
If you are crafty, consider giving your creations to friends, family or people in need.
7. Cook for a Family in Need
If you know of a family in need, cook a dinner for them. If you don’t know a family in need, ask a local church.
8. Volunteer
Volunteer at a soup kitchen, local church, or for an organization (like Habitat for Humanity).
9. De-clutter and Donate
You probably have lots of things that are sitting around without being used. It could be clothes, furniture, tools, or toys. Donate these items to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, a local church or some other organization that would love to have it.
10. Make something Old New
If you are handy, find an older bicycle from Craigs List or a friend. Fix it up by painting it, changing out the tires and putting on a new chain. Once you’ve fixed it up, find a neighbor whose kid would love to have it. It doesn’t have to be a bicycle, you can find lots of things to fix up and give away.
Conclusion
Why not make someone’s day? Happy Holidays! If you have other ideas for giving back, please share your ideas in the comments below.
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Steve and his wife built a software company, sold it and retired early. Steve enjoys blogging about lifestyle freedom, financial independence, and technology. If you like this blog, subscribe here to get an email each time he posts.
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Random acts of kindness are a great way to make someone day anytime of the year! We always tip our mail carrier and sanitation workers. Volunteering you time or giving your time as a gift (you know that person who has everything) spend time with them, make them a meal etc. What a great list!
Great additions to the list!
I am old school and still like to read a REAL Newspaper. I like to send my paper delivery person a Christmas Card with a nice tip for holidays. I always tip with my prescription renewal but I like to show my appreciation during the Holidays too. At the coffee shop where I enjoy socializing I like to sneak a nice tip into the tip jar for my favorite baristas during the Holidays.
I think I tend to be more generous with tips and kind words towards those who serve others for low pay and yet still do an awesome job at it.
When waiting in a long frustrating checkout line instead of being grumpy with the cashier like most of the others be NICE and empathetic to their situation.
Same with airport counter folks. They don’t call the shots when planes are delayed or cancelled.
LeisureFreak Tommy recently posted…Has Your Early Retirement Number Changed
I agree, Tommy. It’s always good to be NICE to others even if they are having a bad day. Happy Holidays!
Steve, this are great easy to do tips that can apply anytime of the year. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!
William L Stuart recently posted…Gemstones Again!! Faceted Emerald, Quartz, and Citrine!
Happy Holidays Bill!
I like the idea of tipping your mail carrier. That had never occurred to me.
Cheers,
Adam @ AdamChudy.com recently posted…The Extra Mile is Never Crowded
Happy Holidays, Adam!