Expand Your Holiday Traditions

As the holidays approach each year, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the to-do list. From planning your feast, to buying gifts, decorating and running errands, we can sometimes forget there are folks out there for whom the holidays are just another day.

There are many organizations that collect gifts for children to brighten their holidays, and the response from donors is typically pretty good. No one wants to see a child have no gift at all for Christmas or Hanukkah. Unfortunately, there are adults out there who expect and often receive nothing to mark the holiday as special or to remind them that someone cares. In honor of this group, here are a few ideas you might consider adding to your holiday traditions:

• Donate small gift items to a senior center or program that coordinates in-home meal delivery for seniors. Things like socks, warm slippers, lotions or toiletries, lap blankets, scarves, or large print books or crossword puzzles.
• Check with your local homeless shelter to see what is on their needs list. They often need travel size toothpaste, disposable razors, tooth brushes, deodorant, new underwear and socks, or other personal care items.
• Plan a visit to a nursing home. There are many residents in long-term care facilities that don’t have family or other visitors. They would love a visit. If you are a Scouting leader, take your troop to sing carols and brighten many residents’ day.
• If you live near a Veterans Administration hospital, check with them to see if you can schedule a visit to a veteran who might be alone during the holidays. You can also ask about donating items like books, music, DVDs or personal care items.
• If you live near a military base, ask about inviting a solider or sailor to your home. Some of the facilities coordinate a program that matches single service members with local families willing to host them for a holiday meal. Don’t wait too late, though. In many cases, sign-up to host for Christmas dinner ends in early December.

There are many individuals in need out there, most of whom will not ever ask for help. If you are willing and able to meet the need, they will definitely appreciate your making their holiday a bit more special. If you have other ideas for giving, please let us know--we'd love to hear about them.