Service Ideas During the Holidays
We're halfway to Christmas! My boys are definitely counting and recounting the days and yep, there are eleven left. We've been busy just with the normal stuff—work stuff and a few extra holiday traditions—but we've been TRYING to fit in some extra service and kindness too. In case you are looking for more ideas for your family this season, I wanted to share some great service ideas that I've seen friends and family do this year as well as some ideas we've done in the past. These ideas are relatively simple but are also unique and thoughtful. I know easy is king for me, but unique and helpful are also appealing.
1. Deliver a freezer meal to a family instead of treats. We recently had someone do this to us, and it was shockingly thoughtful. Everyone is busy during the holidays, and relieving the stress of dinner for an evening is such a kind and generous gift.
2. Pay for someone's gas. Molly of Still Being Molly is one of the sweetest women I know, and I got this idea from her. She is doing a 25 Days of Kindness campaign right now, and her ideas are so easy and so simple. You definitely need to go see what she is doing! To pay for someone's gas, she and her daughter bought a gas station gift card and waited for the next person to pull up at the pump. They handed the card off and left. So easy, so sweet.
3. Adopt a family through the Mayor's Christmas Tree or a church in your area.
4. Make handmade cards for family members that live far away. If you have a Polaroid camera, snap some fun pics of each other and include them.
5. Clean out your closet or the toy box and donate items that are in good condition. This one will be necessary come January anyway, so get it done early so someone else can benefit from it now.
6. Sign up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. We were able to do this earlier this week, and it was such a great experience. And I say that EVEN THOUGH it was 17 degrees outside. The kids had fun, I had fun, and we made a great memory.
7. Offer to babysit for a couple that needs a night out. This might be your good friends or a family that you don't know as well. It will ALWAYS be appreciated! ;)
8. Think of a thoughtful compliment or question for the cashier at the grocery store. It's really easy to barely make eye contact and then move on, but take a minute to recognize them as a person.
9. Mail a few thoughtful and anonymous notes of praise. Point out or say something that you've been admiring about someone. They'll feel lifted up, and there's a fun element to it being anonymous.
10. Take time to serve your spouse or significant other. You know the things that they appreciate; maybe it's compliments, a surprise gift, or a treat just for them. Take the extra time to serve them when you might usually pass over the chance.
What service opportunities have been your favorites? I'd love more ideas to add to our family's list of options!
