5 Simple Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer

For many people, the holiday season presents a dizzying variety of emotions, ranging from joy and optimism to stress and fatigue, to loneliness and longing. Therefore, the true magic of the season lies in having empathy for those who may be struggling behind the festive facade. Want to spread some holiday cheer this year? Here are a few simple ideas

Hosting a party this season? Here is a short guide to creating a simple and memorable occasion that everyone will enjoy

- Send a handwritten letter to an old friend. Even around the holidays, sending handwritten letters and cards has become a lost art in our digital era. Unlike an email or text message, however, handwritten letters carry a sense of timelessness that can make receiving one feel like a priceless gift. If you have been meaning to get in touch with an old friend, or anyone else who has had a positive impact on your life at some point, consider writing them a heartfelt letter to express what they mean to you.

- Invite someone over for dinner. The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people who have recently lost loved ones, or those without any friends or family living nearby. If you know someone who will be alone this season, consider asking if they would like to join your family’s holiday celebration—or just inviting them over for dinner some night!

- Take a donation to a homeless shelter or animal shelter. If you are trying to cut down on clutter in your home, now is a great time to see if you have any gently used possessions that you are no longer using. During the winter, items like blankets and sweaters are particularly in demand at homeless shelters. Alternatively, consider making a donation of canned food or personal care items to a food bank.

- Bake cookies and share them with friends, co-workers, and even strangers. Baking cookies to share with friends and family is a classic holiday tradition for many people. This year, spread the seasonal cheer a little further by dropping off sweet treats for your neighbors, bringing them into your workplace, or handing them out to strangers as a gesture of goodwill.

- Make friendly conversations with cashiers and restaurant servers. For people who work in the retail and foodservice industries, the holidays are a particularly busy time in which they deal with countless stressed out and demanding customers. Even if you are feeling stressed too, try to slow down to chat and laugh with customer service professionals. You will make their jobs a little easier, and you’ll both walk away feeling more festive!

 Sources: becomingminimalist.com & hallmark.com