How to Spread Socially Distant Holiday Cheer
The Christmas season is finally here, but if you’re anything like us, you’ve had some moments this year that have been less than cheery. It’s a cliche at this point: 2020 has been unprecedented (we promise this is the last time we’ll say it!).
No matter if you’re skipping or limping into the last month of this year, the truth remains that the best way to get joy is to give it! Christmas is about serving and giving of yourself for others, and this year we think it’s needed more than ever.
Your normal holiday routines may need to change, but we’ve rounded up our best ideas for how to make spirits bright in these COVID times. We’re passing the baton to you now! We want to see you hold your lights high in this season Greystone Girls. How are you going to serve those around you this Christmas?
- Team up with an organization in your town. One of the best ways to magnify your small act of service is to team up with a nonprofit you love and help fulfill their needs. Our Head Staff took some time to do this at our recent retreat, and we can’t recommend it enough. You want to help and they need hands - it’s a win-win!
- Get creative with your skills and passions. You don’t have them on accident - God gave them to you so you can use them to glorify Him and serve others! Think about what you love to do and how you can serve someone else with it - the possibilities are endless. Beat Christmas break boredom and make someone else smile all in one!
- Surprise them with snail mail! You may be far away from your friends and family, but you can still show up for them in their mailbox. Get out your Green and Gold and check off your list. Send Christmas cards to your cabinmates, a note to your counselor, or surprise your 2020 Penpal with a package. Hint- check out the blog on Monday to get in on a fun exchange we’re hosting!
- Be a front porch elf. There’s no limit to the treats you can drop off on your neighbors’ porches. Bake cookies, drop off gift-wrapping supplies, or a coupon for babysitting in the future. Not sure who to help out this holiday? Your neighbors are a great place to start!
- Don’t underestimate the small stuff. If you’re anything like me, you can sometimes feel like if it’s not a big thing, it’s not worth doing. This year more than ever, the little stuff matters. Smile really big at your cashier at the grocery (so it shows above your mask!). Go out of your way to be kind to your family. Save an extra dollar from your allowance and donate it by New Years. Say thank you as much as possible. Those little things add up!
Most of all? Just do something! Don’t wait for the perfect idea or ideal opportunity to come along. You can serve others right now, right where you are, even from 6 feet away! We’re making it easy with the printable below. Just print it out, fill it in, and hang it somewhere where you’ll see it every day.
Start praying that God will show you ways to love those around you, and keep your eyes open for those who might be hurting right now. Our Greystone community is mighty in numbers, and can do big things when we all do something small. How are you going to shine your light right here, right now?