No matter what you celebrate during the holidays, this season is a time to spend time with loved ones, give back to the community and reflect on all that’s happened throughout the year. To remember all of the things we tend to forget in the hustle and bustle of life, like love – togetherness.

And man, do we need those two things more than ever these days.

So, today I thought I’d share some ideas on ways we can practice love and togetherness this holiday season with these few, simple ways to give back. Hopefully this way, we can all work towards helping make someone’s day just a little bit brighter, and make the world just a little bit better than it was yesterday.

Pay it forward

If you head to the coffee shop every morning to pick up your morning joe, maybe try paying it forward to the person in line after you, and buy theirs too. I love when this act of kindness just turns into a never-ending line of people buying each other coffee – it’s beautiful, and it can really lift someone’s spirits on a groggy winter morning.

Send a nice message

Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives, we neglect old friends, forget to check in on family members and forget the small things that can really make someone’s day. Especially with Christmas shopping, we can get so caught up in what presents we’re going to buy for people, that we forget to give them what it is they truly want: our love. Send a message saying you’re thinking of them, checking in, telling them you love them, that they’re beautiful. Better yet, pick up the phone or mail a handwritten note.

Some simple, kind words can really help lift someone’s spirits.

Give someone your time

Spend time with a loved one or friend, and really spend the time. Put away the cell phone, mute the distractions, and just listen. Sometimes people just need company or to talk to someone who makes them feel heard – someone who they connect with.

Your time and attention is sometimes the greatest gift of all.

Donate

Spending some time to gather extra supplies and donating them along to shelters or families in need can be a great way to give back. But if you have it, it’s also great to pick a cause that’s close to your heart and donate a bit of that extra money you might have in your backpocket.

If you have a little change to spare, spare to make a little change.

Give the Gift of Food

Some don’t have the privilege of a big turkey dinner or feast this holiday season. Baking up some nutritious goods or lunches and sharing them with those in the local homeless communities can make the world of a difference in someone’s day.

Give personalized cards

I am 22, and to this day, I make handmade drawn cards for my closest family that (sadly) look no different than when I was 5 years old. We lose that sentimental aspect to giving when we get older because we get busy – but really, it’s the best part of any gift. Spend some time and personalize a card or two with some messages that are unique to the receiver. Cheesy Hallmark lines have nothing against the ones that are straight from the heart.

Return the favour

Show ma and pa just how much you appreciate them, and cook them dinner or cookies tonight. Show someone who always does something for others just how much they are appreciated, and return the favour. Watch their eyes light up. It’s more beautiful than all the Christmas lights on the planet combined.

Give gifts to children in need

If you celebrate Christmas, you probably know what it’s like to get up early and run downstairs to open presents. But not all kids are as fortunate as a lot of us. So, a great way to give back this year could be to donate some toys to a local organization. That way, other kids can experience that similar joy of being able to open presents on Christmas morning.

Volunteer

There’s always extra help welcomed at local shelters, food banks and community focused organizations. Sometimes giving your time is the most valuable way to give back to your community. Every second can make such a big difference.

Give a simple smile or compliment. They’re free.

If you’re tight on cash this season, getting in the habit of giving compliments as they come to mind, a smile when you can or wishing someone a good day can really help lift someone’s spirits. These are little things that we can practice multiple times a day, all day long with hardly any effort. And these simple habits help keep the light alive in communities. They help relieve just a little bit of stress that can sometimes come around the holidays. It costs nothing, and really is worth everything.

Sponsor a child

If you’re looking for a more significant way to give back this season, Marquee offers an amazing opportunity to sponsor a child. This program allows a child or teen who could benefit from being involved with Marquee the opportunity to attend any of the various programs offered. Learn more about the sponsorship and donation program here. It can really make such a difference in the life of a child in need.

There are so many simple ways to give back this holiday season, regardless of how much money you do or don’t have. And if everyone took a little more time out of their day to do one extra, small act of kindness, imagine what the world could be like?

So, think about that this holiday season, and start now by letting us know down in the comments – what are you going to do today to give back to those around you?

Happy Holidays!