(please know - I share these ideas not to brag on what we have done but to encourage you to consider giving opportunities!)
- Operation Christmas Child - pick out treasures for an underprivileged child the same age as your own and pack a shoe box.
- Samaritans Purse - rather than pick out presents for close family members, "shop" the gift catalog and spent the same amount on those items. Donate in each family member's name. (a word of experience - some folks were not overjoyed they didn't "get" anything to unwrap. You may want to preface "this year we're not exchanging gifts", before Christmas morning.)
- Compassion International - donate and/or adopt a child - it is only $38/month. I joined 3 other women at The Homeschool Village to split the cost of adopting one child! We each pay under $10/month and rotate who corresponds each month while we all pray for her.
- Lottie Moon - International Mission Board. There are so many missionaries in many countries who receive financial support through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
- Personal Missions - there are plenty of people in your church (or friends online) who are raising funds to travel on a missions trip. Rather than give an object - give financially to send them!
- Your Local Pregnancy Center - adopt a mother & child, ask for a list and shop gifts for them! Many can not afford presents for their own family! (a word of experience - at the time it was a great idea, however we went expecting a thank you and did not receive one. Definitely expect nothing in return to participate)
- Give Clothes - Clean out closets of old sweaters, blankets, and coats for the homeless shelter during the colder months.
- Give Your Talent - Crochet, knit, scrapbook, or sew? Hats, mittens, and blankets obviously are needed more so during the colder months! (a word of experience - even a hat or scarf matters - homeless people appreciate every effort and also being acknowledged). Children love to receive cards - and many will not get any this year because of an illness. (Call ahead for a "head count" and) Make some for your children's hospital, St. Jude House, etc. We have made them for the Women's & Children's shelter residents.
- Give Food - call the homeless shelter to find out what they are serving for the holiday meal and offer to pay for one turkey/ham. Our local shelter mails out information for the evening and offers an opportunity to support financially. You may also know a family in your neighborhood or church would would greatly benefit from a gift card for their holiday meal! OR ...
- Give Time - Serve a meal at a local homeless shelter. We have yet to do this on a holiday as we are usually traveling but have heard it is the most needed time for volunteers during the year.
- Make a joyful noise! A homeschool friend partners up with another family and they sing carols at the nursing home. It is beautiful to hear the stories of their children sharing Jesus with some forgotten parents.
- Think about the ones already serving. So many people serve all year and give of themselves. Its fun to thank them for their service. Bring cookies or a cake to the firehouse, hospital nurses, teacher's lounge, pastor's house, or make homemade thank you cards!
- Help Decorate. Last year our friends came home to a Christmas tree on their front step. They had just gone through a job loss and the extra trimmings were not an option. Someone left a tree for them - no card, no note - greatly appreciated! Who can you help with a small random (secret) act of kindness ?
Outreach does not have to be big, expensive, nor showy ... just heartfelt!
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
If the holiday season seems more stressful than joyous, if your budget seems too small to be generous, or if you are simply in search of inspiration, the 12 Ways of Christmas is written just for you! Click on each of the buttons below and join all 12 of us as we share crafts, decor, traditions, and more!
