10 Simple Ways to Give Back During the Holiday Season

Good morning lovelies!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I got a TON of work done, went on a holiday home tour and spent a good deal of time with my family for my mom’s birthday. We had lots of food, inpromptu dance offs and of course, tree decorating. 🙂 Today, I’m sharing this pretty pink outfit, fun giveaway and 10 simple ways that you can give back during the holiday season.

10 Simple Ways to Give Back During the Holiday Season

Outfit Details

Sweater c/o (on sale!) | Coat | Jeans | Thursday Boots c/o | Handbag (old – similar options here) | Necklace c/o

I have been wearing these items non-stop since I got them (my husband can attest to this haha). The coat is the absolute prettiest color ever and goes with everything in my closet. I am loving this gorgeous sweater as well. It’s slightly oversized, super comfy and warm! These boots have been on repeat with everything from dresses to jeans and are sure to become a staple this season. I paired this outfit with the prettiest jeweled tassel necklace and a chic grey handbag.

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday EVER! Maybe even more than my birthday haha! I just love the feeling of Christmas time and love giving back to those in need during the holidays (and year round). I feel like creating new relationships and nurturing those you already have are so important during this time. Sometimes, I think we take a lot of things for granted during the year, but the holiday season is the perfect time to change people’s lives and give back to those that need it the most. With that being said, I’ve created a list of ten simple ways you can give back this season.

1.) Clean Out Your Closet

Cleaning out my closet and home is something I do often throughout the year. I have a huge heart for the homeless and feel that the items that are “taking up space” in my home are things that could really benefit and make someone else’s day. For the holidays, I think that donations are even more needed. Things like winter coats, scarves, gloves, socks, shoes, etc are essential for the season, but even things like blankets, pillows, toys, books and food can go a long way in helping someone this holiday season.

2.) Visit a Nursing Home

When I was younger, I loved to accompany my friend and her family to the nursing home each year. We would visit with the residents and sing Christmas carols to spread the holiday cheer. The look on their face was priceless and I loved getting to know them through these excursions. What many people don’t know is that some nursing home residents rarely, if ever, have visitors so a gesture as small as this goes a long way in to making them feel important and loved during a time when it’s most important. Other fun ideas include making handwritten cards, decorating their rooms and playing games with them.

3.) Adopt a Family

You can usually do this through a church or several other organizations. Essentially you adopt that family for the holidays and can make or give them food, give them gifts, etc. I love this idea because you are helping to alleviate holiday stress for a family in need while building a relationship with them.

4.) Pay It Forward

This is another thing that can be done year round. You can pay for a stranger’s coffee, their groceries, their gas, etc or leave a larger tip when you eat out. You never know what people are going through and that little gesture of kindness goes a long way and can really make someone’s day.

5.) Visit a Children’s Hospital

Children are the essence of Christmas so why not make their holiday special by bringing a toy, a handwritten card, a stuffed animal, a drawing or a baked treat for them . You can even dress up in a fun costume or decorate their room with holiday decor. Magic happens when you take time out of your day to brighten someone else’s.

6.) Make Stockings for the Homeless

Fill stockings with essentials such as a water bottle, granola bar, socks, gloves, etc to pass out during your commutes. My husband and I usually keep water bottles in our cars year round for this reason. You never know who you will run into and how much they may need these items.

7.) Visit Your Local Animal Shelter

People are not the only ones that can get lonely during the holidays. Take food, blankets and any other needed items to the shelter. You could even spend a bit of time walking or playing with the animals.

8.) Invite Someone Over for the Holidays

Many times, there are people that don’t have family to spend the holidays with. Open up your home and invite a friend, family member or co-worker that may have nowhere else to go. This little gesture can go a long way in making someone feel special and included.

9.) Contact an Old Friend

We are busy people and as such, sometimes we forget to make time for those that we care about. Taking time out of your day to make a phone call or send a Christmas card is a simple gesture to let them know that you are thinking of them.

10.) Bring Extra Food with You

When you make yourself lunch, make two of them. When you bake treats, bring some of them with you. Give these items to co-workers, neighbors or friends that might need them during this time. It’s a small gesture that will bring a smile to someone’s face.

What are some of your favorite ways to give back during the holidays?

xo

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P.P.S. Make sure to check out my podcast and blog post with Style Collective (now available on iTunes!)