31 Days of Giving
December Is the Month for Giving
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… December! Even growing up how I did… going through foster care… I have ALWAYS loved the holiday season. To me, it really is a time when things are brighter. Since having a family of my own, I’ve tried to incorporate a giving attitude, all the time, but especially around the holidays. After doing the #30daysofgratitude challenge in November… I thought, why not do a 31 Days of Giving challenge during the month of December.
The Goal of Giving
The goal of all people should be to live life with generosity in their hearts and to love thy neighbor… all year, but I find those ideas really come alive during the month of December. People give more, they understand more, their hearts are bigger and fuller… and while there are many implications of people finding true joy while celebrating with Christ, even if indirectly, I will digress and simply say that we should all do our part, in whatever way we can!
I have created both a calendar and checklist of ideas to give back during the month of December, and you can download them here. I created a calendar because of how handy the calendar was during November. It was really easy to just look at the prompt and think about the small (or sometimes big) things to be grateful for, but with the giving challenge, as some require action and schedules are different, I also created a checklist for people to create their own #31daysofgiving schedule.
During the month of November, I updated a single blog post daily with the things I was grateful for, you can see that here, but for this challenge I will attempt to work ahead some (yes, I am behind as today is December 1st) to help give ideas and links.
So, bookmark this page and head over to Facebook and Instagram for updates… I’d love to have you join me on this 31 Days of Giving challenge, so download the calendar and checklist… and share this page with others so we can start a chain reaction of giving!
Have a great December and I hope to see you on my journey of #31daysofgiving!
BEM and Fam 🙂 [DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]
Day 31: Make a Family Donation Jar
A donation jar, whether you’re a family, a couple, or single, is a great way to use change to make a big impact. Donation jars can be as simple as mason jars or they can be something handmade, but what they look like isn’t as important as what they are for… giving back.
Make sure to put the donation jar in a place for everyone to see (maybe even friends that stop by), this will encourage giving. Make sure to have a goal for the money, whether it is for the local animal shelter, to buy your elderly neighbors a computer to help communicate with their grandkids, or do be able to do everything on the #31daysofgiving list… a goal always helps!
Day 30: Pick One Of The Month’s Ideas and Add It To Your Monthly Giving Back
This is an easy way to pump up your ability to give back all year… simply pick one of these things on this list add it to your monthly routine, or maybe pick 12 of these things and do one a month!
Most people give back during the month of December and there is nothing wrong with that… but the rest of the year is often overlooked. If everyone on the globe gave back in just way, once a month… the world would be significantly different!
Day 29: Make a Blessing Bag
Blessing Bags can mean quite a few things. There are many charities that pass out these bags to the homeless, there are others that use these type of bags at youth centers or for foster kids, and there are groups that give these type of bags to seniors, but essentially the bags are bags of often need items. You can search online to find a local place that will take items to put into bags or you can create some yourself to give to others.
Identify who your target is and do some research. If the bag is for the homeless, it will look very different than a bag for a child in foster care. Lastly, you can make blessing bags for people you know or members of your community. My family has made all bags for all of the categories above and it is a great way to give back. We all need a pick me up and a blessing. December is a great time to give one!
Day 28: Go For A Walk and Pick Up Litter
Litter is often everywhere and this might not seem to vibe with December and the holiday season, but after all of the sweets and rich food, walking is a great way to burn some calories and if you can help the environment a bit… why not? A 2009 study found that more than 51 billion pieces of litter are released on American roadways each year… so while it might not seem important, this could be a great way to give back. Many families struggle with what to do during the week between Christmas and New Year… this could be a family tradition!
Day 27: Make Thank You Cards For Those That Gave You and Your Family Gifts For the Holidays
Thank you cards seem like a thing of the past and often aren’t needed for close friends and family… however, gratitude never is out of fashion. If you got a gift during December, consider writing a quick thank you note… you might be surprised how this might brighten a person’s day!
Day 26: Give Back To Someone In The Service Industry
I worked as a waitress and bartender for much of my 20s, being in this industry is hard, but the service industry extends to fast-food workers, cashiers, and store clerks. While these people are of course working for wages, many deal with a lot more than their wage is worth, and those that usually work in restaurants are making well below usual minimum wage (before tips). During the holidays, while many of us are home with our families, those in the service industry are at work. The month of December is the perfect time to show some appreciation.
Day 25: Be Present With Your Loved Ones
This seems like an easy thing but in today’s society and all it’s distractions being present can be hard. Put down the phone and live in the moment with your loved ones!
Also, it is ok to force your kids to be present with you too… they may not love it now, because sadly the idea of family time hasn’t only changed, it is often non-existent, but they will thank you later!
Day 24: Symbolically Adopt an Animal
What is a symbolic adoption? Well, this type of adoption sadly you won’t get a live koala or baby elephant but you will be donating to an animal cause, and in many cases, you can get a certificate, a plush, or some other token to have in lieu of a live animal. Many charities are run differently, so make sure you check with each on how the money you donate is used, before donating. Using Charity Navigator is a great start when looking at a charity.
My family and I have done about a dozen symbolic adoptions. They make great gifts and are a great way to learn more about an animal. For those that want to make sure the most money is donated to the cause, usually you can opt out of a physical accompanying gift, for an email or printable certificate, though most kiddos will enjoy a plush or cookie cutter.
I chose to put this on the calendar at Christmas Eve because symbolically adopting and animal is very easy to do online and won’t keep you away from your family very long… it would even be fun to sit down and do as a family, maybe making it a yearly family tradition. Below are some places to check out symbolic adoptions…
- WWF – probably the best known of the list but usually under scrutiny by those that think they have stepped away from their roots
- Defenders of Wildlife – lesser known than WWF but similar
- Audubon – specifically for bird lovers
- Oceana – focuses on ocean animals
Day 23: Call Those You Love and Tell Them You Love Them
Many people live close to family, even extended family, and so this might seem a bit odd, but even being close to family, doesn’t mean we always share our sentiments of love and appreciation. Take a minute to call those you love, both friends and family, and let them know that you love them. This is something we should all do more regularly and Christmas is a great time to start.
Day 22: Leave a Small Token of Appreciation for Your Mail Carrier
This one is easy, though many may overlook the mail carrier… it is someone that many people see every day. I know that there are some people that are on a first name basis with their mail carrier, I am not one of those people… yet. Over the summer though, our mail carrier got a bit acquainted with my son who broke his leg and ended up spending a lot of time on the front porch. He was often outside when the mail was dropped off and our mail carrier started asking my son how he was doing. Anyway, now when we see her, we all wave and chat for a second.
Placing a $5 coffee card or even just a quick note in an envelope for your mail carrier might seem like a small gesture but it can be something that completely brightens their day, and a great time to do that is at Christmas!
Day 21: Find Ways to Get Involved in Your Community
This is both an easy and vague way to give back, but it is needed. All communities have needs and areas in which they can expand and grow, however, finding these areas can be hard. In my community we have many places to help out. There are local charities that help pass out food, a center for recovering addicts, and a youth center, which is a place that teens can go after school for games and homework help. If your community has places like this, call and see if you can get involved. Maybe you have ideas that can help expand their vision or if you are good at IT or PR, your skills could be helpful.
I volunteered for my community’s Main Street Organization, which helped bring in grants to the community. My part there was to organize events for the community and increase community spirit. We held a summer event that allowed local eateries and artisans to come and share local goods, and of course there was lots of stuff for the kids… one year we even brought in a circus… it was fun! We also held a Fall Festival with pumpkin decorating contests, costume contests, and treats for all… and of course a Christmas event with Santa, reindeer, ice carving, and more! I volunteered for 3 years just prior to covid, and it was amazing, but it was time consuming, however, getting involved is about how YOU can best help YOUR community. So, whether it is making phone calls, helping design a website, stuffing envelopes, tutoring local kids, or anything in between… it will make a difference.
Call your local chamber, churches, shelters, or mayor’s office to find ways you can get involved.
Day 20: Donate Blood and/or Become an Organ Donor
This is an amazing way to give back but is a big decision, and I am not here to sway you in either way. I personally have Lupus and there are some issues that surround those with Lupus and blood and organ donation, however, I also have a friend that is currently on a transplant list… and so I know the need is great for organ donors and according to the Red Cross, there is a critical blood shortage.
If you think you would like to be an organ donor, visit here to be connected with your state’s (US) registration site. If donating blood is something you would like to consider, visit the Red Cross to get more information.
Day 19: Take cookies to the Local Fire and/or Police Station
My family does this every year. We make a couple dozen cookies for each place, put them into a container, and simply walk in and say Merry Christmas. We include an ingredient list but if making cookies makes you uncomfortable or you simply don’t have the time, buy some treats. Regardless of what you bring, it will be appreciated.
Day 18: Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter
Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, though sometimes there is an age requirement, so call your local shelter. Volunteering isn’t always the fun stuff so keep in mind that it could mean a day of cleaning, but animal shelters need this to keep animals safe and healthy. If your shelter doesn’t need volunteers, has a waiting period, or age requirement (and your kiddos are too young), there are other ways to help and here are just a few examples…
- bring in old but good blankets and towels
- buying cleaning supplies
- pay for the donation of an animal
- becoming an animal foster parent
However you can help, your local shelter will appreciate it and it can be a valuable lesson to little ones. My children learned a LOT during our time at our local shelter and with the foster cats we had.
Day 17: Have a Family Night with Friends
Having a family night with your own family might be hard, so this one might seem crazy, especially at this time of year. Getting together with friends is easy when we’re younger but once family life and responsibilities hit, it seems like a distant memory. This has been true for our family and many of our friends too but having a small event can be a great way of giving back because you are not only treating your friends to some fun, but you are also showing them how much they mean to you.
Maybe planning something like this for December is just too much, no worries, use this time to plan something for January. Maybe having it at night is out of the question, instead have a brunch or pancake breakfast. My family and I usually get together with another family on New Year’s Eve. It isn’t anything to write home about, just some time for adults to chat, kids to run around, and an excuse to eat some more cookies! Remember, don’t make it stressful and who knows… maybe you’ll start a tradition!
Day 16: Give Back to Those That Go the Extra Mile
Giving back is often done in general but it is ok to give back to those that we feel simply deserve it. December is a great time to show extra appreciation to those we are often in contact with, who go above and beyond. Perhaps there is someone at your bank or a local pharmacist that is always especially kind, takes the time to explain things, or who in general takes interest in you, that you would like to give back to. Taking in a card with a $5 coffee gift card to this person will bring a smile to their face. If you have many people like this in your life and a $5 coffee card for each of them is just too expensive… no problem, bake some cookies and take it to them or simply give them a card with a sentiment written inside.
Day 15: Share Information About Charities or Causes Online
Giving back doesn’t always mean making or buying… you can give back by sharing information. If you have a cause or charity that you support, give back by sharing it on social media and letting others know why it is important to you. This allows these charities or causes to get known and even the chance to get donated to.
I would recommend sharing causes that are non-political in nature and to always share why the cause and/or charity hits close to home… along with a link to learn more.
Day 14: Write Letters to Active Military Officers or for Your Local Heroes
Every year there are those that are on active duty and are unable to be home for Christmas. You and your family can brighten their season by sending letters and packages to those on active duty. There are many places to send cards and gifts to, though they usually have deadlines in early December. To still give back, your family can make a donation to help cover the cost of shipping because most of the organizations are non-profit, they still pay shipping costs. Visit Holiday Cards 4 Our Military for a better idea on what to send to those that are active, how to send cards, and where to send them to.
Another way to give back to those that have served, is to make cards for those in your community that have been in the military. You can call your local Legion or V.F.W. and see about dropping cards to them, that they can pass out to members of your community that have served. This is a great way to give back locally and has less of a deadline.
Remember, keep the cards kind, non-political, and thankful. My family has done this in the past, making a couple cards per kiddo… and it is a great reminder of what others go through for each of us.
Day 13: Donate Books to a Little Library
This one is special to me because my family has put up a Little Library in our yard and it has become a special place for people to come and get books. We stock it but are always surprised when we see that someone else has filled it with books. Sometimes these books are new and sometimes they are gently used, but both are appreciated. If you don’t know if you have a little library in your area, you can visit here and type in your area code. Once you’ve figured your closest library, assuming there is one close, you can simply head over and put your books in.
If you don’t have one close to you, there are many other places that would love to have your used books or a donation of new ones. Shelters come to mind but maybe your local police station would be interested in having children’s books on hand and a senior center might appreciate both children’s and adult books.
For more information on Little Libraries, head to their website.
Day 12: Volunteer at a Senior Center or Nursing Home
This might be more difficult in the midst of covid, and it has limited us 2 years now, however, before covid, my family and I volunteered weekly at a local senior center. We volunteered to play piano for a half hour during Christmas time one year and decided to continue volunteering year-round. Christmas is a great time to volunteer because sadly, many residents don’t have family that come visit them, yet are very aware of what time of year it is.
To get involved, call your local senior center and ask when they have times available for you to come in or if there is a specific need. It could be that they don’t need volunteers but are looking for help with something specific. One year our local center was full on volunteers at Christmas but needed help funding the patient’s holiday party. My family and I bought a bunch of ice cream and other things for the party, allowing us to still help.
Both last year and this year, our family made cards for those at our local senior center because of covid. This might be a better option for you. We simply have to drop them off and the staff with pass them out for us. If you aren’t sure where to start with the cards… take a look at some of our homemade cards.
While Christmas is an important time to volunteer at a senior center, consider trying to get involved year-round. If you are unsure how you can help, below are some things that might be needed…
- reading to the patients
- doing the patient’s nails
- crafts
- playing the piano
- bringing snacks
- hosting a game time
One last note… it isn’t always easy to volunteer at a senior center and it might be downright uncomfortable at first, however, it is one of the most selfless things a person can do and will be greatly appreciated.
Day 11: Make Cookies for your Neighbors
