Ahhh, the Season of Giving is finally upon us and I don’t know about you guys, but I wait all year for this. There’s something about this time of year, and I’m not sure if it’s the memories I have attached to it or just the cheer and excitement I feel in those around me, but I LOVE it. I know for some, the holidays are not the time of year that they countdown to and some even hope to avoid the holidays as much as they can. Honestly, I get it.
With the holidays comes gifts. And shopping. And materialism. And crazy stores. And crazy sales. And unbelievable expectations. BUT, what if this year we try to forget about some of the pitfalls of this season and think of all the wonderful things we can be thankful for. So, I’ve put together a list of ways that you can truly give this season AND make it count!!
Volunteering at a soup kitchen
I volunteered at a local soup kitchen with one of my best friends for a couple weekends here in KC and let me tell you, it was rewarding. This is a great way to do some physical work (like cooking a mean meal) for someone who really needs it. Not only were we able to provide a hearty meal to those in the community around us, we also were able to give a happy smile and a helping hand, which in my opinion, goes a long way in today’s world. Big shocker, but all I did to find the soup kitchen I went to was GOOGLE IT!! Groundbreaking advice, I know. (All my KC peeps, if you’re interested in this kinda stuff, try NourishKC.)
Donations
Does anyone else love a good closet clean out? Sometimes it can be hard for me to let go of things, but I’ve found that starting small gets me in this wild craze where I think, “I MUST be a MINIMALIST and get rid of everything.” HA, and if you know me at all, you know I am NOT and will NEVER BE a minimalist. However, it does feel good to pursue a life of “less” and IMO to trash things you haven’t worn in ages. BUT this year, instead of trashing the casualties from your bi-annual closet purge, have you thought about donating the items? I know it takes a bit more effort to drive to a Goodwill or Salvation Army, but think of the people you could help from your donation. These kinds of things make me feel like I have somewhat of an impact on the community, ya know?
PRO TIP: you can go to Goodwill’s website and itemize everything you plan on donating so you can get a tax write-off (as long as you keep that receipt)! I did this when doing a deep clean of my childhood bedroom. I HAD BAGS ON BAGS of clothes and shoes that I wanted to get rid of. Just think of the implications we could have if we donated our gently used clothes?
Also, keep in mind: this time of year people are looking for coats and winter-gear because HELLO the wind chill these days has not been kind. So keep this in mind while you shop black friday deals and accept new gifts, maybe you can donate some old coats and scarves you haven’t worn in a while that someone else would really benefit from.
Giving a kind word
This one is so important. The Season of Giving isn’t just about giving material things right? This season, try telling those around you how important they are to you, give them a compliment, etc. You may never know how much that person needed to hear what you told them. I don’t know about you, but the possibility of turning someone’s bad day around sounds like a gift all in itself, doesn’t it?
IDEAS:
- Do you have a friend that has been working incredibly hard lately? Let her know. Maybe bring her one of her fave lattes or offer to host a fun spa night at your place. Just reaching out and showing that you have noticed them can do so much for someone who has been stressin’ lately.
- OK, I know I said non-material things but I don’t think cards count, right? Well, my best friend is SO into greetings cards and ever since I’ve known her she has always taken the time to pick the PERFECT card for every occasion. Even if it isn’t the perfect card you find (it can totally be handmade too!! Those are always appreciated), putting a kind note inside the card leaves your friend with something to hold on to and enjoy.
Simple and Meaningful Gifts
Does anyone else tend to go overboard when it comes to gift giving? I absolutely LOVE shopping for other people and finding little things that I know will make those on my list smile from ear to ear. However… I get so excited to buy for all those important people in my life that I end up spending the New Year struggling to get by and while I will say sometimes it is kinda worth it (don’t kill me financial Gods for admitting that), but this year I’m deciding to give frugally (is that a word?).
First off, maybe simplify your list. I’m sure Joan from accounting won’t be heartbroken if you don’t give her that coffee mug with dogs on it this year and I think your bank account would benefit. If you don’t think you can cross ANYONE off your list, maybe give well thought-out cards (craft day anyone?) instead. Another idea I had was to bake treats for people. This is such a great way to spread the cheer and quite cheap if you can make a big batch and separate it out for those on your list! Plus, anything homemade has such a nice touch to it, in my opinion, like you’re adding the extra ingredient that can’t be store bought: love :).
^^ok I know, that was cheesy. I’m in a weird mood today.
Second, have you heard that saying invest in experiences not stuff? I am so about this!! Think about it, would you rather have a run of the mill sweater OR an experience with a loved one that will give you a good time and great memories. Try to look into fun, inexpensive things you can plan for someone on your list and I guarantee they will love it!! Need ideas? I’ve been thinking of these things: wine tastings, axe throwing (IT’S SO FUN), cooking class, brewery tours, and more!!!
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Alrighty there my friends, that’s all the ideas I have for you today. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Remember through all the food, all the shopping and all the sales what this time of year is truly about. Think about what you’re thankful for today!!
XOXO,
Alexis