If you're anything like me the over abundance of food and over abundance of consumerism during the holiday season leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth for the season in general.
I love the holidays because I get to spend time with loved ones.
But I don't love how everyone stuffs themselves full to discomfort while others have little or nothing to eat. Or how we are taught that love can be communicated through gifts we give and receive. Or how hundreds of thousands of employees have to work on the holiday, just so people can get a deal on new items they want to buy for gifts.
So if you are also like me, you may be looking for ways to return this holiday season to the original intention-thankfulness and charity-take a look at some of the opportunities here.
1. Adopt a family and purchase them healthy foods or other necessities. More information on that here.
2. Write a letter to a soldier who is away from home for the holidays. Sites like anysoldier.com or adoptaussoldier.org can help you find where to send letters or care packages.
3. Pay it forward. Pick up a strangers tab at Starbucks, pay someones bill who you know is struggling, take notice of these opportunities and actually do it!
4. Don't shop on Thanksgiving night! The only way businesses will stop being open is if we show that the demand is not there.
5. Volunteer on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. You may be surprised how good it feels to help may a strangers holiday even better.
6. Gather winter outerwear to donate to those who don't have proper clothing for the winter season. Donations can be taken to Community Action Agency (517-784-4800) or Cascades Wesleyan Church (517-240-8208).
5. Volunteer on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. You may be surprised how good it feels to help may a strangers holiday even better.
6. Gather winter outerwear to donate to those who don't have proper clothing for the winter season. Donations can be taken to Community Action Agency (517-784-4800) or Cascades Wesleyan Church (517-240-8208).