It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week they have picked “5 Favorite Cold Weather Drinks.” In winter, I still drink the mother lode of coffee and tea, but not much more festive than that. I have been thinking of good ways to give back this holiday season. Often, we get caught up in parties and presents and such and the real spirit of the season can be lost in the stress and hustle and bustle. There are so many easy and free (or cheap) ways to give back that I wanted to share some ideas.
1. Practice small acts of kindness – lots of them. Kindness is free. Spread good news. Hold the door. Help a friend. Help a stranger. Listen to someone’s story. Run an errand for a neighbor or friend. Babysit. Make a meal for a friend or person in need. Give a bigger tip than usual to someone who does a great job – and tell their boss, too. Bring treats to the office or to the people who help you in your life. Pay it forward. Pay it back. Need some great ideas? Check out this guest post with Caitlin’s 31 Random Acts.
2. Volunteer your time. Find things you love and share them… tutor kids, teach someone to knit, work at a soup kitchen or at a race or event. You get the picture on this one. As the season gets busy, many organizations need substitutes to accommodate schedules.
3. Donate items that you no longer use to people who can. If you are like me, you have a ton of barely used coats and sweaters that could be put to great use. It is also a great time to donate books, toys and other household items that you are not using. It could make a big difference to someone. If you are here in Chicago, check out Finds’ fave Zealous Good. Zealous Good is like Craigslist for donated goods. You list your donations and charitable organizations send messages (via the website) about who will benefit from your donations if you select them. Many charities will pick up goods from your home or office. Could it be any easier??
If you want to donate money this season, check out this great list of organizations (and where your money goes) that Glamour suggested in their 31 Days of Giving a few years ago.
4. Call or visit some friends or family members and give them your undivided attention. I am guilty of letting way too much time go by before I reach out to some friends or family members. Carve out some time to call or meet to catch up with special people in your life. Then, challenge yourself to give your people your undivided attention.
5. Smile, show appreciation and give lavish compliments. Holiday time can be stressful. It is amazing what a smile or compliment can do. Be grateful, show appreciation and when you see something awesome, give props!
What other ideas to you have?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!