Buzz
Christmas symbolizes compassion and generosity, serving as a season dedicated to sharing and caring. Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, observe another holiday, or none at all, this chilly, dim period offers a perfect opportunity to spread warmth and kindness to those around you.
This year, consider breaking away from the routine of obligatory gift exchanges with a small group. Introduce a fresh tradition into your festivities—one that radiates joy to others. To inspire you, here are ten unique and meaningful Christmas customs you can embrace to bring cheer to others.
10. One Simple Wish
Children in foster care, whether orphaned, survivors of abuse, or facing other challenges, often find the holiday season particularly difficult. The lack of a stable family environment becomes especially poignant during this time, as the world seems to celebrate the very things they lack.
This is where One Simple Wish steps in. The organization enables foster care children to ask for particular toys and holiday presents. These wishes are posted online with brief details about the child, the desired item, and its cost, inviting kind-hearted individuals to fulfill these requests. Once a gift is purchased, it’s delivered to the child, allowing you the joy of bringing happiness to those who need it most.
9. Pay it Forward
The Pay it Forward initiative began as a series of small, anonymous good deeds in the late 1990s and has since evolved into a prominent nonprofit organization. The concept is straightforward: perform a simple act of kindness for someone and encourage them to do the same for another. This chain reaction of generosity creates a ripple effect, spreading goodwill from one person to the next.
You can participate by donating to or joining the official Pay it Forward Foundation at payitforwardfoundation.org or by taking action on your own. Even a small gesture, like leaving money at a coffee shop to cover the next person’s order, can spark a wave of unexpected joy.
8. Turn Christmas into Halloween
While it may seem unusual, shifting demographics are blending traditional Christmas celebrations with innovative new customs. For the growing number of non-religious young people, Christmas has shifted from honoring a religious figure to celebrating community and togetherness. This shift has inspired younger generations to embrace costumes, sweets, drinks, and even a touch of spookiness during the holidays.
Consider the renewed fascination with figures like Krampus and Belschnickel, or the popularity of films reminiscent of Nightmare Before Christmas. Explore global traditions featuring eerie companions to Santa Claus, such as the Mari Lwyd, Gryla, or Frau Perchta. Dive into Christmas-themed murder mystery games or the zombie board game Dead of Winter. Additionally, browse platforms like Steam for holiday horror games or Netflix for Christmas-themed scary movies—you’ll find a surprisingly vast selection.
7. Volunteer…on a Different Day
One of the most common ways to volunteer during Christmas is by serving meals at soup kitchens. The same trend occurs during Thanksgiving—when the spirit of giving is high, people flock to these places. While this is a noble act, there’s an even more impactful way to contribute without extra effort: avoid volunteering on Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Don’t misunderstand—volunteering to help those in need is always commendable. However, the surge of volunteers during holidays often leaves some organizations with more helpers than tasks. Instead, consider volunteering a few days, a week, or even a month later. Shelters and charities require assistance year-round, so why not lend a hand when they’re most in need?
6. Support Those Working During the Holidays
It’s a sad truth that many individuals miss out on Christmas traditions because they’re often working. This is especially common for essential workers like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and service industry staff such as waiters, cashiers, and chefs. One of the most heartfelt ways to bring holiday cheer is by helping those who can’t celebrate due to their work commitments.
Delivering a festive or homemade meal to those stationed at police stations or firehouses is a thoughtful gesture. It serves as both a holiday greeting and a token of gratitude for their service. Service and retail workers also benefit greatly from such kindness—a warm, surprise meal for someone working at a gas station or pharmacy counter can truly brighten their holiday season.
5. Contribute Your Air Miles
Most major airlines collaborate with the Red Cross, enabling frequent flyers to donate air miles to assist volunteers in reaching their destinations. Whether you fly with United, Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, or another major carrier, donating your miles to Red Cross workers is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference.
A quick Google search with the airline’s name and the word “donate” will guide you to the right page. By donating your miles, you help Red Cross volunteers reach their destinations, enabling them to assist those in critical need. For many, accumulated miles often go unused, making this a cost-free way to contribute meaningfully.
4. Transform into an Elf
Cities worldwide host countless holiday events, offering a fun and imaginative way to spread cheer: volunteering to dress up for children. Whether you portray Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, an elf, or another beloved character (Elsa is particularly popular these days), holiday parades and festivals depend on volunteers to bring the magic to life.
This festive role-playing might just be the most enjoyable form of volunteering. Answering curious kids’ questions and crafting creative, family-friendly responses can be incredibly rewarding. And let’s be honest—young children are less concerned about the character’s authenticity and more about the excitement of seeing someone larger-than-life. So, feel free to volunteer as Spider-Man or Shrek if you prefer. It’s a surefire way to spread happiness.
3. Celebrate Overseas
One of the most enriching ways to spread joy, not just during Christmas but throughout your lifetime, is to immerse yourself in and celebrate diverse cultures. Understanding and honoring others fosters connection and dismantles invisible barriers that create division. The holiday season, with its abundance of goodwill, provides the perfect opportunity to bridge these gaps and share happiness.
If you’re from a small town, consider visiting New York City during Christmas to marvel at the iconic Rockefeller Plaza displays. For lovers of handmade crafts or shopping, the Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany offers a massive yet charming, storybook-like experience. Alternatively, if you prefer sunshine over snow, the Honolulu City Lights festival in Hawaii features a month-long celebration filled with music, joy, and, of course, dazzling Christmas lights.
2. Organize Virtual Fundraisers
Advancements in technology have made fundraising more accessible than ever. If you’re unable to volunteer in person or unsure where to dedicate your time and energy, virtual fundraising offers a powerful alternative. The holiday season, with its spirit of giving, makes Christmas fundraisers especially effective in reaching people globally.
One creative approach to digital philanthropy is hosting Zoom-based gala fundraisers. These events transform traditional pay-for-a-plate dinners into DIY meals with the added benefit of safe, virtual socializing. Virtual fundraising offers endless possibilities, often leveraging peer-to-peer networks and unique hashtags, making it simple to launch and manage.
1. Support a Soldier
The life of a soldier is incredibly demanding, and many are unable to take time off during the holidays. Instead, they must make do with whatever small celebrations they can organize on their base. Fortunately, you can make a difference for them, and it’s easier than you might think.
You can “adopt a service member” for the holidays by reaching out to your local military base and contacting their Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department. They can arrange for you to host a service member at your home for Christmas. This allows them to enjoy the warmth of a family celebration and some well-deserved rest in a welcoming environment. While they may not be with their own family, they can experience the joy of being part of yours.
