The year 2020 has been a rough year for everyone. Hard times can be a great opportunity to spread joy and hope through acts of service. So in this post, I’m going to share with you some ways to serve this holiday season!
Spend Extra Time With Family Members
Often when I think of service I think of serving neighbors, friends, or extended family. And then I realize that there are people who need my love and service right next to me. Some simple ideas on how to serve those closest to you include
- hugging spouses and children extra long, at least 8 seconds or more
- looking a spouse or child in the eyes more
- put your phone away and give them your undivided attention for at least 10 minutes
- spending one-on-one time having conversations and doing what the other family member wants to do with you
- writing a love note and leaving it on a pillow or another place where your loved one can find it
- and so many more! The more personal the better. Get creative!
Write Kind Messages
Some of my favorite moments included giving and receiving unexpected, thoughtful, hand-written notes, texts, or emails. What words could you message, text, or write to someone that would express your gratitude for them? What are some things you love about that individual? How can you encourage and inspire this individual? These are just a few ideas on what you can write about.
Smile More
One of the easiest and simple ways to serve that can change a person’s whole day is a smile! Have you ever gone about your day filled with stress or pressure, and you felt alone or disconnected from others, and out of nowhere, someone looks you in the eyes and smiles right at you? Or have you ever smiled at a stranger and brought a smile to their face while increasing joy in your own heart? It’s the best!
That simple, encouraging acknowledgment can go a long way to settle a weary mind and heart. Try smiling at your spouse and children more regularly and see how that lifts the mood in your home!
Do a Kind Deed
Do you know a grandparent or elderly neighbor who could use a phone call? Is there a tired mother that would love someone to watch her kids an hour or two so she can recharge? Are families in your area or association in need of extra food? Clothes? or a simple plate of cookies? In our family, we like to say, “Do what you can, where you can.” Really, that’s all we can do, and it is always enough. Some other kind deeds you could do might include
- leaving anonymous gifts on the doorstep of a neighbor you know is in extra need this year
- calling a family member you haven’t seen in a long time to catch up
- give grandparents or the elderly an extra visit
- stop and visit with a neighbor an extra minute so they know you care
- drop off simple neighbor gifts like these
- sing Christmas carols to neighbors
- visit a care home and let your family put on a mini talent show for the residents
- randomly purchase someone’s meal at a restaurant or groceries in the checkout line
- join forces with other families to provide Christmas or Secret Santa gifts for a family in need
The sky is the limit!
Serve This Holiday Season by Expressing Gratitude
Another simple and easy way to serve is just by saying “Thank you” more. Along with the smile, saying “thank you” to those around you will help them feel validated and appreciated. And expressing gratitude and acknowledging your own feelings of gratitude through journal writing, is linked to greater happiness!
These are some simple and easy ideas I have found can do good around me. In what ways do you choose to serve during the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!
Rach
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