December is here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year! The lights, scents and holiday cheer are just a few things that makes this month so magical. What can trump the sights of streets glowing with lights, the scent of cookies baking or enjoying a special holiday movie with a loved one? The gift of giving trumps all!
It is so joyful watching someone you adore open the perfect gift that you selected for them. And that perfect gift can be even more meaningful if it is a gift that gives back. There are multiple shopping sites that support charities or causes by donating proceeds to a cause that you care about such as COVID relief, the environment, homelessness, education, research, just to name a few. So, if you’re going to spend money on gifts, why not buy things that support these efforts? After all, twice the joy is twice the fun in giving.
There are endless ways to spread holiday cheer through gift giving. Other than shopping to support a cause you can give back to the community as well. Making care packages for the homeless, donating food to a local food bank, adopting a family for the holidays, or even donating blood to the American Red Cross are very special and thoughtful gifts that you can give that would create a positive impact on a complete stranger.
However, not all gifts are through donations or purchases. Spreading kindness is the biggest gift of all. Consider writing a letter of encouragement or thanks to front line workers or a letter to someone who inspires you. You can include children in creating drawings and send them to senior care facilities or children’s hospitals to lift holiday spirits. Kindness is infectious…spread the gift!
So, no matter how you gift give this season, please consider gifts that give back. Not just for the recipient but for you as well. The best gift you can give yourself is the gift of peace, love and happiness.
