On my way home from visiting my dad in hospital today, I turned the radio on and tuned in to my local radio station. Craig Harper’s (Motivational speaker) motivational segment was on and he was talking about Christmas.
Basically, he was talking about relationships and what was important at this time of year. He talked a little about communication with family members and how important it was to think about what really needed to be discussed on this particular day. Perhaps some things best left for a more appropriate time.
However, it was what Craig said about his own personal experience that really caught my attention. He mentioned that the past few years he has volunteered at various places serving lunch to the homeless. Growing up as a single child perhaps had something to do with his, he said, but nevertheless, he felt that making Christmas all about serving others made it a much more special day for him.
What a great piece of advice, I thought. OK, not everyone is in a position to volunteer on Christmas day, either due to family or work commitments. However, making the Christmas period all about service doesn’t have to come down to one single day.
Perhaps we could make the entire month of December a month of service? Now there’s a thought!
I Googled some different ways to help out for Christmas and found this wonderful site (ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips) with lots of great ways to give back to the community over Christmas. If you have anymore great ideas, I would love to hear them.
Donate to your Favourite Community Group Online Through GiveNow
Make a quick and secure donation without leaving your chair. More than 1400 appeals have been listed for donations online at the commission-free GiveNow at www.givenow.com.au. Join the more than 60,000 individuals and businesses who have already given more than $11 million to community groups using this service! You can browse for groups, or search for a group or cause you support
Send a Cheque
If you don’t have a credit card, or if you just feel more comfortable signing your name on your donations, post a cheque to your favourite community group. Many community groups hold appeals in the lead-up to Christmas and appreciate any gift, no matter how small. Many groups will also happily take credit card donations over the phone. Take the time to tell them why you’re donating. Ask them where your donations will be used.
Ask your Friends to Give Money, not Presents
If you’re one of the many people who already has most things they need (and many you don’t), ask your friends not to give you a Christmas present this year but instead donate the money to a community group you nominate. It’ll make for a more meaningful Christmas than another pair of novelty socks or set of hankies.
For more inspiring Christmas Tips for sharing and giving - go to http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips
In your own personal way, I hope you find a service that will bring a little bit of magic into the lives of others.
And on that note….If you have any great ideas that you would like to share, I would love to hear them.
Great post Janine. I’ve enjoyed following you on twitter all year and this is a great sentiment to end 2011 with. We tend to get so caught up on the commercialism on Christmas that we take the whole point of it for granted. Not the religious component, but the coming together and taking a second to put others first. Some great ideas up there. I’d just add that if all else fails and you can’t do anything for charity then donate your efforts to the one place we can all sometimes be guilty of overlooking – our own family. Happy Christmas everyone.
Hi Stefan, great thoughts, thank you! I agree, charity starts at home. There are so many ways to give back and make a difference to others. I believe one of the best ways to do that, is to live your life as an example, something we can all do! Have a wonderful Christmas… Love Janine
It’s wonderful to share at anytime of year Janine and especially Christmas time.
I have a colleague who has recently decided to do the same and has come up with the 1ThingProject.com.
It’s all about what 1 thing can you do for someone else to make a difference to their day/life. It’s a great idea.
Love you post!
Sandy
Hi Sandy, thanks for the feedback. The 1thingproject sounds amazing! I will have to look that up. Love Janine
Hi Janine, Great post. What a wonderful idea to give this christmas to people who are less fortunate than us. I’d take it a step further and say that once a month give to someone in need and they will thank you for it. Awesome! Thank you. Warmest Regards Shirley
Thanks for the feedback Shirley. So much research has been done lately in the field of positive psychology regarding the long term benefits on happiness when you give to others…we all need to remember that happiness is an inside job!