It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. While you’re busy these next few weeks with Thanksgiving and the pre-Christmas festivities, don’t forget that some people have been dreading this season all year long. Sometimes it’s almost too easy to get consumed with buying the best presents for everyone on your list, finishing your finals and getting home, and making sure you have an even better Christmas then last year to remember to give back. The holiday season isn’t about presents or fancy holiday parties, and sometimes that’s all to easy to forget.
I don’t mean to get you down before all the merriment ensues after Thanksgiving. Instead, I’m hoping that reminding you about why you should give back, and how you can! Every year my family makes a conscious effort to volunteer and give back to people less fortunate, just helping out can be more of a gift then you could ever imagine.
I can’t help but to think of all the people affected by Hurricane Sandy who don’t have time to think about going shopping on black Friday because they lost their homes during the storm. These are the some of the people who need our attention during the holidays. You can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy by donating your time or just a few dollars. RedCross.org has ways to help or ways you can donate. Anything helps, and hopefully you’ll never have to be in the position that some people are in right now.
A personal favorite of my family is helping out at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Every year while thousands sit around their nicely decorated Thanksgiving tables, I’m in yoga pants serving thanksgiving food to the homeless with my parents and my two brothers. We celebrate thanksgiving a day early so we can be there to help. It might not sound very glamorous but the feeling you get after a six-hour shift making people smile is indescribable. Homeless shelters and food banks are always looking for volunteers and there is more you can do to help then you think!
Lastly, if you belong to a religious community or even have one in the area there are always gift drives for families who have recently lost their jobs or can’t afford to buy presents. At my church there is a Christmas tree with little cards on it with a child’s name, age, size, and something they want for Christmas. Last year, my sorority did something similar to this. Going to Wal-Mart and picking up a regulation NBA Basketball was barely an inconvenience to my day, and it probably made that little boy’s Christmas to have it under the tree.
You don’t have to volunteer or give back during this time of year. Something as little as buying a coffee for a stranger in line at Dunkin Doughnuts can brighten someone’s day. The unemployment rate in the US is higher then ever, and some people are dreading the holidays. No one should have to feel that way! Do what you can. A little help can go a long way. Happy Holidays!
Xoxo