I have watched many Holiday Seasons come and go up here at the North Pole, and while the big sleigh packed with gifts gets the spotlight, it's the smallest gestures that really make the season special.
Simple acts and a little extra thoughtfulness for the people who live next door or the friends who feel like family, are the true definition of generosity.
While I do love sending a 'just because' Daymaker Gift to the ones I love, buying gifts is not the only way to be generous to the people who matter most to us.
I have a dear friend who packs her bag full of her famous chocolate chip banana bread to hand out when she gets together with her friends. She has even been known to pass them to the waitstaff at restaurants when she's having lunch with a friend. Her chocolate chip banana bread is delicious, but the sentiment behind it is my favorite part.
Making a double batch of cookies, lasagna, soup, or a casserole to give to a single Mama down the street or the elderly lady next door is a simple way to make someone's day. After all, who doesn't love a generous food giver?
Being generous with your time is a beautiful and meaningful gift. Sending a quick text or better yet a phone call to say, "I am thinking of you". Or a simple 'How are you?' without an agenda or an ask could mean the world to someone. Time is a precious gift that even Santa and the elves can't make more of and simply being present because you want to rather than because you have to is a perfect way to be generous.
Shoveling snow, taking a friend to coffee, offering to babysit for a busy mom, or just stopping to chat and connect with someone down the street are simple, low cost, or often free ways to extend kindness this season and beyond.
Generosity Challenge of the Week:
- Bake or share a treat.
- Call or text someone a friend just to check in.
- Do a chore or run an errand for a friend or neighbor.