Tis the season of giving! Christmas is so different from many holidays. Personally, it forces me to slow down, take in the winter air, and feel a sense of joy around. Simultaneously, it’s a time not many people have the opportunity to enjoy wholeheartedly due to stressful or severely hard times. Of course, one doesn’t have to wait until Christmas to volunteer at a shelter. However, I think it is the perfect time of year to think about how to give back to your loved ones, including society as a whole. After all, Christmas is all about coming together to spread love and kindness to others.

Here is a quick list of 20 ways you can give back this season:

1.) Donate Clothes to Local Goodwill

2.) Bake for Friends, Family, and Coworkers

3.) Pay for someone else’s Starbucks

4.) Bag lunch meals for the Homeless at a shelter

5.) Leave A Kind Note For Someone

6.) Volunteer at a food bank

7.) Donate Blood at the Red Cross

8.) Give Toys to Kids at your local hospital

9.) Host a holiday party

10.) Buy books and leave them around for strangers to find

11.) Babysit your neighbor’s children so they can relax for a day.

12.) Buy Coffee or bake goods for your local first responders

13.) Visit the elderly at a nursing home

14.) If possible, buy parking passes and hand them out to strangers while you’re at your destination.

15.) Help job seekers by teaching new skills at a community center

16.) Donate food, supplies, and toys to an animal shelter

17.) Take on a holiday walk or running marathon for charity

18.) Pay for someone’s meal when you buy your lunch

19.) Write a letter or send an email to someone you care about

20.) Leave a generous tip for your server

What are some special ways you like to give back to your friends, family, and community? Let us know in the comments below!