Acts of kindness and opportunities to give back to the community can bring a good dose of perspective and ground us with gratitude.
Helping others in need and seeing people light up with joy and appreciation would give any grinch the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing that we're doing some good.
While we can look for ways to give back during any time of the year, the Christmas and New Year holiday season is one where it hits home for us as it's a time which should be spent celebrating with loved ones and being generous of spirit.
Unfortunately, some people face hardship year-round. For others, the festive season can be a difficult time due to financial and/or housing distress, loneliness and isolation if separated from family, or painful memories from past losses.
When the world is constantly telling us that more is more, that success means amassing more physical belongings, let's challenge ourselves to step back and consider what's most important in life.
There are many ways in which we can contribute in our local or broader community. Opportunities to give back don't always have to involve money, especially knowing the burden of cost of living expenses and how expensive Christmastime can be.
Here's a list of suggestions to show someone how much you care and bring joy to others:
- Personal gestures of love: It could be a handwritten card to say how much you appreciate someone, or a bright bunch of flowers for no particular reason. Making dinner for a mother who's recently given birth, or mowing the lawn for your neighbour. We don't tell people we care about how special they are often enough, but small gestures like these will definitely get the message across!
- Spending time with loved ones: There's nothing like the currency of time to show someone how much you enjoy their company. Whether it's catching up over coffee and a walk, to planning a day out or a weekend getaway with someone, these are the times when special memories are made. Life's short, so spend it well.
- Random acts of kindness: These are small, unexpected gestures that can have a big impact on others. We've all heard about the times that someone's helped a blind person across the street, bought a meal for a homeless person, or even just paid an unexpected compliment to a stranger. Random acts of kindness are, well, random – so you can truly get creative in how you choose to brighten someone's day!
- Donating to charity: Charitable organisations often request or seek ongoing donations of money or specific items (e.g. food staple drive, children's toys, leaving gift under a wishing tree, personal care packages). Support an organisation where you're able to contribute and know that you'll be helping someone in need.
- Checking in on the sick and elderly: The sick and elderly are amongst the most vulnerable community members. If you have a neighbour or someone you know who'd appreciate a regular visit and chat with a friendly face, then you know what to do.
- Volunteering your time and skills: Whether offering your time as an individual or organising corporate volunteering, not-for-profit organisations are more than happy to accept your help for various skilled and unskilled tasks. Pick a cause you're passionate about contributing to and you'll get the chance to meet likeminded people along the way.
- Organising a fundraiser: If you're someone with a wide network or are surrounded by proactive people, you could organise your own event to raise money for charity. Some organisations provide support to help you promote the event, while others provide you with a platform to fundraise. Examples include: Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, R U OK?, The Push-up Challenge, White Ribbon Australia.
- Saving a life: There are plenty of animals in shelters and pounds waiting to be adopted into a loving home. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of adoptable animals are euthanised every year in Australia due to overcrowding. Adopting a pet can literally mean you're saving a life. If adopting isn't possible for your situation, you could consider short-term fostering. Visit RSPCA or your local animal shelter/pound.
You might also like:
> How to invest in yourself – without spending a penny
> When was the last time you had an open conversation about money?
> Build a savings nest egg with RentPay buffer
