16 ways to share, care, and give this holiday season

In a recent post, I offered up some ideas on how to enjoy a more spiritual holiday season. Today I am offering up 16 more tips on how to share, care and give this Christmas. I hope my thoughts inspire some ideas of your own.

Be Courteous To Others

Help a neighbor carry in packages from their car. Or, offer to take someone’s carpool shift.

Send A Kid A Letter

Write a letter to a child who is in need of some extra special attention and mail it. What kid’s face doesn’t light up when they find something with their name on it in the mailbox?

Videotape School Performances

Take a video of the school Christmas pageant for parent’s who can’t attend.

Share A Tree

Take a decorated miniature Christmas tree to someone in a hospital or nursing home. Or take a tree-trimming party to an older or handicapped friend, neighbor or relative. Promise you’ll come back after Christmas to take everything down.

Show A Shut-In You Care

Invite a homebound person to go on a driving tour through town to see the Christmas lights. Or, pass along a good Christmas novel or magazine after you’re finished with it.

Put Loose Change To Good Use

Pay the toll for the driver behind you, drop a coin in an expired meter, or leave a grocery cart rental unchained so the next shopper doesn’t have to search for a quarter.

Forgive A Debt

It you have the financial means to do it – forgive a debt. And, never bring it up again.

Remember Your Manners

Say “please” and “thank you” and really mean it.

Say I’m Sorry

Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative during the holidays.

Help Others

Offer to run Christmas errands for an elderly friend or relative. Or, help a mother carry her baby stroller up the subway stairs. Just holding a door open for someone can make a world of difference.

Be Generous With Tips

Tip someone who doesn’t expect it.

A Circle Of Friends

End an evening with family and close friends by forming a circle, holding hands and singing a favorite carol. It may seem hokey – but it can be a wonderful experience, not to mention, very moving.

Make A Toast

Toast your friends when they are in your home. Tell them how much it means to have them there.

Give A Secret Gift

Secretly shovel the snow off your neighbor’s front walk. Or, bring your assistant coffee.

Pass Along A Good Word

If someone in your office really helps you by going above and beyond, take the time to jot a note to their boss explaining what a great a job he or she is doing.

Remember The Bereaved

If you have friends who have lost family members since last Christmas, make a special effort to call and cheer them during the holidays.

Please see my Family Life posts for more tips on how to make the most of your Christmas holidays.

Happy Holidays!