by Erin Steeley

Created on: November 11, 2010

Today in our society we have an intense focus on buying and getting. Advertisements, movies and other media are very focused on people getting what they want. But what if, just consider, you are to spend Christmas doing nothing but giving. You are not worried about receiving anything in return of a physical nature, but you will have an intense gift given to you of joy and appreciation from those who receive your gifts.

One of the first ways that you can spend your Christmas giving instead of receiving is by volunteering at a homeless shelter. On Christmas day, there are those who do not have a home with a bright Christmas tree and a warm meal to go to. A wonderful gift you can give to them is to spend part of your holiday helping to prepare and serve them a warm meal. Many shelters are in desperate need of volunteers and would be more than happy to have your services, but it is a good idea to contact them in advance. Some shelters require a minimal background check on volunteers before they are allowed to help out.

If you are out and about on Christmas day, and you happen to go through the drive through a restaurant drive through, you should consider paying for the person behind you. If you have the funds to do this, it can be a great surprise to the person who is on the receiving end. When that individual pulls up to the window, they will get a pleasant holiday surprise that somebody bothered to give something to them without expecting anything in return. It will often cost you nothing more than an dollar or so for a cup of coffee.

Another way to give without receiving this holiday is to make a stop at your local thrift store while shopping. You will often see a family come in that has a voucher that allows them to shop for what they need at no cost. You should consider taking at least a $10 or $20 bill and leaving it at the counter, explaining to the clerk that it is to be used for someone who needs something but doesn't have the money to pay for. This is a wonderful way to give a little bit of hope to someone who may really need it.

You can also give the gift of your time. There are many people over the holidays that do not have family or friends to spend this time of year with. Consider taking time out of your holidays to stop by and visit these people, especially those in veterans homes, nursing homes and hospitals. These people will be delighted to have your company and will be so grateful for the joy that you will bring them. Again, it is important here to contact the establishment before you go in case they have any requirements for background checks or volunteer registration.

Often when you are out shopping you will see a large box at the front of the store that is for donations. This can range from canned food donations for food pantries, toys or clothing for people in need. As you are getting your gifts for others, pick up a few extra items for these donations spots and drop them in. Those who get them will be very grateful and you will be doing a small kindness in their favor.

Sit down with your family and tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you are lucky you may get them involved in the process. As a family, you can identify needs of others and use the money you would have on personal gifts for their benefit. This is an excellent way to give without receiving, while also passing on this beautiful lesson to your children as well.

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