Six Ways to Make Your Holidays Happier
Our holidays will no doubt look different this season. No large festive parties. No caroling with friends. No need to get that shimmery dress for a New Year’s extravaganza.
While you cannot control all that you might be missing, you can reframe how you see this season. By setting an intention to give someone else a little joy, you can be sure your holidays will be brighter.
Be an Angel. There is nothing that will bring you more smiles than to make someone else feel loved this December. You might already have your holiday list for your family or friends, but most nonprofits have “Angel Trees” where you can adopt a needy child to provide essential items and toys. If you don’t know of a local children’s charity, Walmart and the Salvation Army have teamed up to make it easy. Click this link to enter your zip code and you can see the registry of a Salvation Army near you. Simply shop online and your gifts will be delivered to make a child’s morning!
Holiday Love Letters—With so many people shut-in at home, virtual contact is all some people receive. Even if zooming isn’t helping, a mailman is still delivering direct to doors. Think about five people in your life who might need a little cheer. Write them a holiday letter or send them an extra special card. You can even turn this into a craft project and make some DIY homemade cards. This link has 42 ideas for making your special delivery look amazing. Tuck in some photos and you are sure to get a little love in return that will make your day.
Sweet Secret Elf—You might have upped your baking game during COVID and your bread belly says you probably need to stop the sourdough starter. Baking for others is a great way to sprinkle some sugar in someone else’s life. Try leaving sweet treats for your neighbors without even signing your name. Quietly leave a plate of decorated cookies or gingerbread on their doorstep with a note of cheer and watch their surprise from afar when they open their door. You could also contact nonprofits that serve seniors and ask about baking for their staff or residents. This link gives you 25 ideas for “Insanely Easy Christmas Cookies” that will taste good and make you feel good delivering them.
Light Up a Life—Do you have an elderly neighbor, family member, friend or someone who might have physical limitations to putting up lights or getting a tree? Offer to do the work for them by stringing lights outside their window where they can see them each night for a little festive glow. Or create a mini tabletop tree that you can deliver to their home. This link has dozens of ideas to help you jingle all the ways.
Good Gifting—While it has been a tough year for everyone, perhaps none have had it as difficult as those experiencing homelessness. It is impossible to “shelter in place” if you have no shelter. In Charlotte and our state, Roof Above (formerly Urban Ministry Center) is the largest organization serving those still on the streets as well as housing those exiting homelessness. Their website lists lots of ways to help this season (link) but you can also contribute $5-10 gift cards for their residents to brighten their spirits. To learn more email btrotter@roofabove.org
Treat Yourself —While you are doing good for others, remember to plan a little something special for yourself. WF&S has ways to explore your creative side and refresh your spirit. All classes are taught live on Zoom, in small group webinars for plenty of interaction and discussion. Learn how to “Say Goodbye to Your Inner Critic,” “Handle Holiday Stress,” or join a Friday “Write Now” writer’s workshop. Every week, WF&S offers new ways to live a more creative and purposeful life even in a pandemic. Check all our workshops here and give a gift card to your friend who wants experiences not more stuff this holiday!
- Kathy
Kathy Izard is an award-winning author, speaker, and changemaker working on homelessness and mental health in Charlotte, NC. You can find her teaching others to write and to trust their whispers on WF&S or learn more about her books on her website.