5 Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer

Seven days until Christmas and surely some of you are feeling the pinch just a little. For me, my family is the first to be overlooked when I start to focus more on the to do list than the real meaning of Christmas.  Finding the perfect gift becomes more important than celebrating our greatest gift. Here are just five ways to help keep the focus on Christmas while also keeping me from losing my shiz.

5 Ways to Share Christmas Cheer

Quality time with family and friends can mean so much more than some tangible gift.  Turn on the Christmas music and cook dinner together. Take a time out and watch a holiday movie as a family. Send the kids to the grandparents and spend the night by the fire with a glass of wine wrapping presents with your significant other!  Or skip running errands on  your lunch hour and have lunch with a friend instead.  

Share the season with those around you!  Hand out candy canes to store patrons with a heartfelt note. Buy a gift card or even a candy bar and give it to the cashier at the checkout counter.  Over tip your waitress and leave a Merry Christmas note.  Bake goodies for the local fire or police station.  

Give the gift of time.  Offer to keep a friend’s kids while she finishes shopping or offer to finish her gift wrapping.  

Volunteer in your community.  Whether it is delivering toys or food to those in need or ringing the salvation army bell you will be amazed how giving back can relieve your stress and fill your heart with joy.  

Share the story.  I’ve always known Christmas was about the birth of Jesus but until the last few years I did not embrace the impact of the full story. Find a way to share the story of Jesus with someone who needs to hear it. Visit a church Christmas service, sing carols, witness a live nativity scene.

If you would like to spread some Christmas cheer of your own, grab the Merry & Bright printable and use it to attached to candy canes to hand out while you are out and about.  It really is such a fun way to spread a little Christmas cheer and children LOVE to help.