The holidays are full of friends, family, food, and fun, but it’s easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and all the things we need to do. But what about blessing others? This is also the time of year we should think about how we can serve those around us. We come across so many people every day who make our lives easier. Why not give them some thanks? We have charities and organizations that we love and we can bless. Even blessing a stranger can have amazing positive impacts. Keep in mind that blessing someone doesn’t always have to mean financially. It can be with your time and your possessions, too.
If you’re looking for some ways to bless others this season, here are some ideas to get the generosity going:
This is the season when you see charities and nonprofits asking for donations. It can be a little overwhelming deciding where to give your dollars. Sit down and think about your interests and which charities and nonprofits align with those interests.
You may have a love of children and want to donate to St. Jude or another child’s charity. If you have a love of animals, consider donating to your local cat cafe or a local rescue group. If you have a heart for the homeless, you can donate to the Salvation Army or a local rescue mission.
Also, pray and ask the Lord to lead you about where you should give. He may place a specific organization on your heart or even introduce you to a new charity or nonprofit that you didn’t know existed that critically needs help right now. Regardless, know that you will help and change lives no matter where you give.
Round up your family and friends and volunteer somewhere. Blessing others doesn’t always have to be financial. Sometimes, using our time to help others is much more satisfying. There are lots of places where you can volunteer.
Spend some time at the animal shelter and love on some homeless pets. Volunteer at a youth center and make a difference talking to and mentoring kids who may not have a positive influence in their lives. Go to your local nursing home and spend some time with the residents. Help at a food pantry or soup kitchen; speak with those in need, show them you care, and appreciate your blessings.
If you can afford it, give an extra large tip or gift to someone. Think about the people in your life who make your life easier but work in lower-paying jobs. I’m not saying this as a negative. There are fantastic people who work as barbers, servers, baristas, daycare teachers, etc. My point is, their wages are lower than in other jobs. I’ve worked in jobs like these as a deli clerk and a daycare teacher.
Leave your hairstylist, barber, or server an extra large tip. Buy a nice gift card and present your child’s daycare teacher with it. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and the extra cash.
My husband and I did this years ago. We had just got out of debt and went out to dinner to celebrate. We left our server a fifty-dollar tip, and he almost fell over. He was so grateful. Growing up in a restaurant, I know how hard servers work for the tips they receive.
Once again, think about the people who make your life easier. This can be your veterinarian, health insurance agent, tax preparer, babysitter, coworker etc. Pick out something special and send them a gift of your appreciation for their hard work all year.
I’ve sent Mrs. Prindables Caramel apples to our former veterinarian and I’ve sent Gardners Candies to my former health insurance agent. Both loved the gesture and the goodies.
Delivery drivers are some of the hardest working people this time of year, as well as our postal workers. Put out some snacks and bottles of water for them as they go about their hectic days.
If you live in a colder climate with lots of snow and subzero temps, keep a small crockpot of hot chocolate on and buy some disposable to-go cups. Offer one to each delivery driver who comes to your door—if you can catch them, that is.
Consider adopting or fostering a cat or dog. This is a double blessing because there is another spot in the shelter for a new animal and the adopted animal gets to have a pleasant home this holiday season. If you decide to adopt, think long and hard about your decision. This is a 10-15 year commitment, for better or worse, no matter what. Weigh the pros and cons, do your research, and make an informed and educated decision about what is right for you and your family. So many animals get adopted over the holidays and then returned. This is not fair to them.
If adoption isn’t workable, consider fostering. Most rescue groups will provide you with necessities like food, a leash, bowls, etc. This is a great option if you don’t want to or can’t commit long-term and helps the animal because sometimes shelter or rescue life isn’t ideal for certain cats and dogs.
Another great option to bless someone is to help a homeless person. Buy them a meal, take them a blanket, or clean out your closet and give them clothes you don’t wear or that don’t fit anymore. My husband cleaned out his closet a few years back and we took his shirts down to a gentleman who was sitting in our Kohl’s parking lot in a wheelchair who was clearly homeless. He was extremely grateful, and we were glad to help.
If you know a single mom or dad, adopt their family for the holidays. You can help in various ways, like asking if you can run some errands for them when they are at work. If they need you to pick up the kids from school because they are running late in a meeting or something came up at work, do so. You can also help by buying presents and groceries if they are struggling or by helping decorate the house.
Better yet, see if your church knows a family who needs help and then buy presents and groceries and help them anonymously.
We hear about this happening once in a while, so why not be the catalyst? Pay for someone behind you in the drive thru lane. You never know who you could be blessing. A single parent low on cash. Someone who forgot their wallet or someone who forgot or lost their debit card. Or even someone who is just having a bad day.
Help a friend or family member this holiday season. Offer to watch their kids for a few hours, run errands for them, or even take them a meal if they are super busy. They will appreciate this during the busy holiday season.
There are many ways to bless people this holiday season, so pick a few options and go make someone smile. Remember, it's less about the dollar signs and more about making someone feel seen and loved.
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