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HOLIDAYS, JOY

11 Ways To Spread Joy This Holiday Season

The holidays, specifically this week of the holiday season, many people experience joy, frustration, and even rage as they try to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.  But what are gifts really for?

Gifts can be correlated to rewards as we distinguish children’s behavior and the behavior of our loved ones as naughty or nice.

Gifts can be correlated to the Christian faith as well in an effort to link the generosity of the three wise men in the story of Jesus’ birth.

A more cynical view is that we give because of the commercialization of the holiday season and intense marketing efforts by corporations.

Despite what you believe, giving makes us feel good and makes the people we give the gifts feel good as well.  The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to instill and develop a sense of philanthropy in ourselves and our children all the while increasing their awareness of others and developing gratitude.

And I’ve got some great news for you, spreading holiday joy can be more than scooping mashed potatoes for eight hours at your nearby shelter (although that is great if you do).   We have made a list of great things to do this season to spread the joy!

 

The holidays can be tough, but they don’t have to be.

Toys for Tots

Every year the Marine Corps Reserve hosts an annual Toys for Tots toy drive.  You can make a monetary donation, find your local Toys for Tots program, and even host a Toys for Tots event.

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Thank Your Mailman

Leave a homemade treat or gift certificate in your mailbox for your mailman.  Their job can often be thankless despite the incredible and consistent service they do for our communities every day despite weather, traffic, and more.

 

Visit the Elderly

There are so many people in hospice care or elderly care that do not have family visiting for the holiday season and can often be left lonely.  Take time to visit a hospice or care center near you to drop off a gift, read a book, or just have a conversation with someone who needs the companionship.  It will mean more than you can imagine.

 

Buy for a Stranger

Next time you are out for lunch or dinner, buy the meal or buy a dessert for an unsuspecting table.  Grab your waiter and let them know, they will take care of it and you can leave knowing you just made someone’s day, maybe even restored their faith in humanity with your gesture.

 

Clean Out Your Closet

Go through your closet or your children’s for old books, toys, clothes, or shoes and donate them to a local children’s center, shelter, or library.

 

Reach Out to New Parents

If there is a couple you know that are new parents, chances are they would love some free babysitting.  This will give them a wonderful chance for some me-time, time to go for a coffee date, or do some much needed Christmas shopping.

 

Give a Generous Tip

Next time you are out, leave your waiter or waitress an overly generous tip.  You will make their day and maybe even their entire season.

 

Go Caroling

Join a caroling fundraiser like Caroling for a Cause or Caroling for Charity

 

Host a Bake Party

So many of us get stressed cooking for the holidays. But how much fun would it be to gather your friends and bulk cook all of your goodies together. Gather the kids up and bring them over too for a fun bake party!

 

Bring Holiday-Themed Food to Work

Everyone loves a good snack in the breakroom, especially homemade Christmas goodies. Bring some of those cookies from your bake party to work and spread the holiday cheer to your coworkers.

 

Spread Good Gossip

Whether it be in your family or at work, tell others new, wonderful things about others. 

“Christmas gift suggestions: to your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” -Oren Arnold

And if you need an objective friend to help you through this time, Gateway 2 Counseling is just a click away. We  provide online counseling anytime, anywhere. Enter our gates to a brighter tomorrow at www.gateway2counseling.com

 

The holidays can be tough, but they don’t have to be.

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