‘Tis the most jolly season of the year and a retailer’s dream, but do you ever feel like there’s more to the holiday season than just receiving?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people use the holiday season as a way to teach their children to count their blessings and put generosity into practice.
Have you heard of pay it forward? This idea is to perform a couple of good deeds for others without asking for anything in return. Instead, the recipient should be instructed to pay it forward to someone else in need. The website explains all about Pay It Forward Day:
“So why pay it forward?
To encourage all of us to embrace the incredible power of giving.
To show each other that we care and that there is love, hope and magic all around us.
To know that we may be only one person in this world, but to one person, at one time, we are the world.”
If you know that you have been given many financial, physical or emotional blessings during the past year, you may want to consider some of the following suggestions for gaining even greater satisfaction and enjoyment before the year’s end.
On the first of December, our local newspaper publishes a list of charities and their wish lists to help readers pick a charity to personally support. From children’s groups to musical organizations and churches, there is something for everyone.
Our church selects local families in need of assistance during the holidays, and our family purchases items from a list we are given. No names are provided, so the gift recipient and the giver remain anonymous.
Does your favorite teacher need one more coffee mug or chocolate bar? Probably not, so think about donating educational materials, such as reading books, pencils and paper for your child’s classroom.
Can you donate money to the local homeless shelter to help it purchase blankets and toiletries for the benefit of this population in your community? It seems like my children and I are always passing by someone asking for money on the street corner. We usually don’t want to give cash, because we don’t know if it would be used responsibly. Instead, the last time we were at the grocery store, my son picked out some food items to keep in the car to share with those we might encounter. You could also keep food vouchers handy for your local fast food restaurant.
How else might you pay it forward? Maybe the next time you drive through a fast food restaurant, you can ask the meal cost of the car behind you and take care of their bill. Have the cashier tell them to pay it forward and do something good for someone else.
Maybe you have more time than money. Consider taking a turn as a volunteer for The Salvation Army. Take your children with you, and enjoy ringing the bell for a good cause.
Know any young families who might need a break from their kids for a little holiday shopping and date night? I remember how strapped we always were when our children were younger and the holidays were rapidly approaching. Babysitters are costly, so volunteer to help out a family with an investment of time.
Maybe you want to support the military, which sacrifices so much for our freedom. Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000-plus care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation, to new recruits, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, caregivers and individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas.
Is there an elderly resident in your neighborhood who could use assistance with outdoor work or house chores? Your contribution will often be the best part of their day and a way to give without expecting anything in return.
Set aside some time this season to spread the holiday cheer and enjoy the gift of giving!