Holiday Harmony
We’ve survived a week of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and gathering Holiday Wishes from Friends and Family. Too many of us endure the anxiety of keeping the crisis in Christmas, regardless of our faith. The truth is, this is the time of year when we should put aside our addictions to advertising, impulse shopping and the need to please everyone with gifts, to spend time with loved ones or helping a stranger who is less fortunate. This is the giving season, but it doesn’t have to mean an empty bank account at the end of the year. We’ve come up with a few feel good inspirations, to humble, help and bring happiness to your Holiday.
Handmade Gifts Vs. Store Bought
Creating gifts by hand, not only save money, but create a touching sentiment for both the giver and receiver. Mason Jars filled with your secret cookie mix or a friends favorite sweets make a wonderful stocking stuffer. Turn a special photo into a canvas painting for a bigger gift. Those with a crafty hand can make a jewelry holder by using an old vintage frame, cutting a piece of cork board the same size as the picture frame. This gift can double as a shabby chic message board.
Gifts that Give Back
Buying a gift from a non-profit is a beautiful way to give twice as much. Bullets to Bracelets creates beautiful bracelets made from Ethiopian bullets, dug out of rubble, and assembled by vulnerable and rescued women. Proceeds go to help women overcome poverty & injustice. Global Goods Partners is a website which supports the economic betterment of women and girls by selling handmade, fair trade products. It works with artisan groups that employ more than 3,000 women in some 20 countries. This beautiful eCommerce site carries original, high quality gifts for Men, Women and Children and serve a greater purpose around the globe.
Surprise a Local Family in Need
There are too many families who can not afford a holiday dinner, let alone gifts for one another. Many Churches around town can help you find one family to deliver a surprise dinner and gifts in time for the Holidays. Local food pantries, Salvation Army or websites like Volunteers of America have special programs this time of year which allow you to adopt-a-family, giving real meaning to this special time of year. If time and schedules make this a difficult task, try asking your children to use some of their allowance money to buy a toy to drop off at a Toys for Tots box at one of the hundred stores around town with Toys for Tots drop boxes.
Volunteer at a Hospital, Shelter or Veterans Associations
Involving the entire family in a special holiday volunteer program, is a wonderful way to teach your children the importance of Philanthropy and shows them just how fortunate they are. Programs exist locally as well as online, which will make it easy to get involved. Check out Great NonProfits online for a list of Volunteer Opportunities in Smithtown.