The Hit List - How to be helpful during the holidays

The holidays are upon us and while this is a merry time of year, there are plenty of folks who may be struggling. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have gifts, food, or company. Lots of people spend the holidays alone or don’t have money to spend on presents or basics such as food and shelter. It’s easy to forget that as we sit under the tree in a warm home, opening gifts with our loved ones.

This year, let’s not overlook people in need. Let’s be a bit kinder, more compassionate, and as generous as possible. Here’s a list of ways to help make this holiday season a bit nicer for those who may need a helping hand or a little Christmas cheer:

– Give generously to your local food banks. There are lots of hungry bellies right in your local community that need to be fed. (Please give money instead of canned goods. Here’s why.)

– Instead of gifts, pick a charity and make a donation in a loved ones’ name. Find out the name of their favorite charity first – or perhaps give to one that is aligned with their interests (ex: donate to the Humane Society for your cat-loving aunt!).

– Volunteer. Spend time dishing out meals at the local soup kitchen. Help out with a hotline (many people feel suicidal this time of year – the National Suicide Prevention Hotline might need volunteers). Look for a place where your presence is needed and get involved.

– The holidays can be especially lonely for the elderly and shut-ins. If you know of a loved one or elderly neighbor who may be alone, why not stop in with a nice meal and a small gift? Keep in mind that nursing homes are also filled with older folks who may not have families. A visit to the local nursing home with some small gifts and cards could make all the difference for a lonely elder.

– Winter is tough on the homeless population. Instead of walking by when you see someone out there begging for change, why not spare a few coins? Or maybe bring them a nice hot cup of coffee or a sandwich? (Ps please spare the lectures or judgments – this is the time to be compassionate, not judge-y.)

– If you have a loved one who is incarcerated, please make time to send a card or visit. Prison is a lonely place and this is a time where they need support more than ever. Some prisons allow small gifts. Be sure to check with the prison to see what their policy may be. Even a few dollars in a commissary account could bring some much-needed cheer.

– If your loved one is unemployed or is on an extremely tight budget, opt-out of the gifts altogether. This way, no one feels singled out – or like they need to spend money they don’t have. Focus instead on just spending quality time together. Board games, caroling, and a nice meal might create wonderful memories long after the season ends.

– Got a friend or neighbor who is going out of town but worried about leaving their pets alone? Volunteer to pet sit. This is a kind way to bring relief to your animal-loving friends. Plus: bonus kitty or doggie hugs!

– If you live in a snowy climate like I do, hire the local teens who come around with shovels after the blizzards. Save your back – and help them make some cash! I also tip well and sometimes ask them to shovel the elderly neighbor’s sidewalks too. Everybody wins!

– Start a fundraiser for a good cause and encourage people to donate instead of gift-giving. You can now do these easily on Facebook. My friend Jeanna Kadlec just launched this amazing fundraiser for Immigration Equality – the largest LGBTQIA+ focused immigrant rights organization in the United States. Pick a cause you like, make your Facebook donation page, spread the word – easy peasy!

– Reach out to people in need wherever you can. There are plenty among us who need to feel loved, valued, and cared for. A simple call, a visit, a Skype session – do whatever you can. A little effort goes a long way.

– Be kind to everyone you meet. Your barista, the mailman, the stranger on the street. A warm smile and a simple hello cost nothing.

Look, life is hard for a lot of humans. It doesn’t take much to make people feel valued, loved, and cared for. By taking the time to give, share, reach out, or be courteous, you’re helping to make this time of year feel like a wonderful life for all.

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