1. Display an Attitude of Gratitude

Did you know there is actual scientific evidence that having an attitude of gratitude can increase serotonin levels and reduce stress? Who doesn’t want less stress around the holidays, or anytime for that matter? The truth of the matter is as much as we may strive to do for others, if we don’t take time to count our blessings and notice all that God has done in our lives, we can easily fall into serving and spreading good cheer for all the wrong reasons. This season, take a moment to pause and reflect on the gracious gifts God has given you, then ask Him how you can use your blessings to love others.

2. Simply Smile

Smiling is my favorite! Buddy the Elf recognized the value of this simple expression. So, go on and smile. It doesn’t take much effort and costs absolutely nothing, but this universal language of kindness has significant benefits to both the giver and receiver. That’s because it boosts mood, helps others feel seen, and is truly contagious. Talk about spreading good cheer! So, between the hustle and bustle of activities, take time to notice the frazzled mom in the grocery store or look upon your teen who may be stressed with final exams, and flash a heartfelt and understanding smile. It may be just the encouragement they need to feel seen, valued, and loved.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Deagreez

3. Pay It Forward

Christmastime is just waiting for eager hearts to extend kindness. It’s almost as if the casual and even extravagant niceties of others cause us to be filled with so much gratitude that we want to share and pass it on. Whether that be to pay for the person behind you in the drive-through, offer to babysit for a couple in need of a night out, or simply exchange a sincere compliment, those acts of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day and mean more than you will ever know. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and pay it forward with a willing and joyful heart this season! 

4. Pray for a Stranger

When I was a teenager I worked at a local drive-thru with a couple of my friends during the holiday season to earn some extra cash. I still vividly recall the day when this middle-aged lady pulled up to the window to pay for her food with tears streaming down her face. While I will never know what was breaking her heart that day, I asked my boss if I could give her a freebie. She politely declined the treat, but my friend reminded me that the best thing to do was to pray for her. It’s just a solemn reminder that this season can spur on so many emotions, and many may even be struggling in silence. Let’s remain vigilant and aware of those who may be hurting this season, and pray for those God places in our path as we feel led.  

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Bogdan Kurylo

5. Help at a Local Food Bank

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of living and life’s many challenges, there will be families unable to provide the type of Christmas that comes with a table covered in lavish food and exquisite desserts. This is why many local food banks, churches, and charities step up to help those families by supplying a nice dinner, giving them the opportunity to celebrate Christmas stress-free. Check your local area and see where you can lend a helping hand and serve a family in need. 

6. Visit a Senior Living Facility

Whether you have a loved one in a senior living facility or not, visiting seniors who often feel lonely during the holidays can spread so much joy, for them and you! Create some endearing cards or heartfelt crafts to hand out when you arrive. However, before you visit, be sure to check on the visitation hours and understand the guidelines as the staff members aim to keep everyone healthy and safe. Do keep in mind though that many of these facilities have a schedule of specialized events for the holidays, so you may be able to visit as well as volunteer.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/SolStock

7. Gift Your Neighbors with Baked Goods or Services

‘Tis the season for baking galore! The smells that stream out of my kitchen this time of year always warm my heart. Having three daughters, there is usually someone who is baking up something! Gathering those goodies and sharing them with our beloved neighbors always provides a sweet opportunity to touch base and check in on them and their families in a real and authentic way. So, while we may have those casual exchanges throughout the year, bringing over baked goodies seems to open up deeper conversations, allowing us to love, serve, and pray over them.

8. Host a Fun Christmas Movie Marathon Night

Gather up your troops, plop down some blankets, and get ready to pass through the seven levels of the candy cane forest with Buddy or eagerly await the bell to ring so that George realizes his life truly is wonderful! There are so many Christmas movies to choose from! Why watch just one? Let each family member pick their favorite and watch a few or host a few movie nights back-to-back! Add to the fun with festive or theme-related snacks; just let your imagination go wild with this one! This is such a fun way to bond with your precious people and create cherished memories.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Monika Grabkowska

9. Play Secret Santa

Is there a family in your community or church that is really struggling to provide a special Christmas for their children? Maybe you know of a dear family wading through grief or sorrow. Who is God laying on your heart right now? Seek discernment and ask God for ways you can bless them “in secret.” That might mean having a meal delivered or dropping off a few gifts from “Santa” on their porch, but use discretion on how to love and bless another family. This sweet surprise will not only fill their hearts but bring so much joy to you too. 

10. Sing Loud for All to Hear Anyway

I must admit that when Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” comes on, I can’t help it, I just have to sing along. And I don’t sing under my breath either... there may even be some quirky and uncoordinated dance moves that follow. But, hey, nobody said you can’t sing or dance if you can’t carry a tune and don’t have the moves, right? So go on, sister, and enjoy this season. Sing! Dance! You have permission to have fun, and who knows, that good, spirited fun just might rub off on your grumpy teen or put a smile on your testy little toddler’s face. 

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you." —Mother Teresa

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Cottonbro

1. Display an Attitude of Gratitude

Did you know there is actual scientific evidence that having an attitude of gratitude can increase serotonin levels and reduce stress? Who doesn’t want less stress around the holidays, or anytime for that matter? The truth of the matter is as much as we may strive to do for others, if we don’t take time to count our blessings and notice all that God has done in our lives, we can easily fall into serving and spreading good cheer for all the wrong reasons. This season, take a moment to pause and reflect on the gracious gifts God has given you, then ask Him how you can use your blessings to love others.

2. Simply Smile

Smiling is my favorite! Buddy the Elf recognized the value of this simple expression. So, go on and smile. It doesn’t take much effort and costs absolutely nothing, but this universal language of kindness has significant benefits to both the giver and receiver. That’s because it boosts mood, helps others feel seen, and is truly contagious. Talk about spreading good cheer! So, between the hustle and bustle of activities, take time to notice the frazzled mom in the grocery store or look upon your teen who may be stressed with final exams, and flash a heartfelt and understanding smile. It may be just the encouragement they need to feel seen, valued, and loved.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Deagreez

3. Pay It Forward

Christmastime is just waiting for eager hearts to extend kindness. It’s almost as if the casual and even extravagant niceties of others cause us to be filled with so much gratitude that we want to share and pass it on. Whether that be to pay for the person behind you in the drive-through, offer to babysit for a couple in need of a night out, or simply exchange a sincere compliment, those acts of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day and mean more than you will ever know. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and pay it forward with a willing and joyful heart this season! 

4. Pray for a Stranger

When I was a teenager I worked at a local drive-thru with a couple of my friends during the holiday season to earn some extra cash. I still vividly recall the day when this middle-aged lady pulled up to the window to pay for her food with tears streaming down her face. While I will never know what was breaking her heart that day, I asked my boss if I could give her a freebie. She politely declined the treat, but my friend reminded me that the best thing to do was to pray for her. It’s just a solemn reminder that this season can spur on so many emotions, and many may even be struggling in silence. Let’s remain vigilant and aware of those who may be hurting this season, and pray for those God places in our path as we feel led.  

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Bogdan Kurylo

5. Help at a Local Food Bank

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of living and life’s many challenges, there will be families unable to provide the type of Christmas that comes with a table covered in lavish food and exquisite desserts. This is why many local food banks, churches, and charities step up to help those families by supplying a nice dinner, giving them the opportunity to celebrate Christmas stress-free. Check your local area and see where you can lend a helping hand and serve a family in need. 

6. Visit a Senior Living Facility

Whether you have a loved one in a senior living facility or not, visiting seniors who often feel lonely during the holidays can spread so much joy, for them and you! Create some endearing cards or heartfelt crafts to hand out when you arrive. However, before you visit, be sure to check on the visitation hours and understand the guidelines as the staff members aim to keep everyone healthy and safe. Do keep in mind though that many of these facilities have a schedule of specialized events for the holidays, so you may be able to visit as well as volunteer.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/SolStock

7. Gift Your Neighbors with Baked Goods or Services

‘Tis the season for baking galore! The smells that stream out of my kitchen this time of year always warm my heart. Having three daughters, there is usually someone who is baking up something! Gathering those goodies and sharing them with our beloved neighbors always provides a sweet opportunity to touch base and check in on them and their families in a real and authentic way. So, while we may have those casual exchanges throughout the year, bringing over baked goodies seems to open up deeper conversations, allowing us to love, serve, and pray over them.

8. Host a Fun Christmas Movie Marathon Night

Gather up your troops, plop down some blankets, and get ready to pass through the seven levels of the candy cane forest with Buddy or eagerly await the bell to ring so that George realizes his life truly is wonderful! There are so many Christmas movies to choose from! Why watch just one? Let each family member pick their favorite and watch a few or host a few movie nights back-to-back! Add to the fun with festive or theme-related snacks; just let your imagination go wild with this one! This is such a fun way to bond with your precious people and create cherished memories.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Monika Grabkowska

9. Play Secret Santa

Is there a family in your community or church that is really struggling to provide a special Christmas for their children? Maybe you know of a dear family wading through grief or sorrow. Who is God laying on your heart right now? Seek discernment and ask God for ways you can bless them “in secret.” That might mean having a meal delivered or dropping off a few gifts from “Santa” on their porch, but use discretion on how to love and bless another family. This sweet surprise will not only fill their hearts but bring so much joy to you too. 

10. Sing Loud for All to Hear Anyway

I must admit that when Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” comes on, I can’t help it, I just have to sing along. And I don’t sing under my breath either... there may even be some quirky and uncoordinated dance moves that follow. But, hey, nobody said you can’t sing or dance if you can’t carry a tune and don’t have the moves, right? So go on, sister, and enjoy this season. Sing! Dance! You have permission to have fun, and who knows, that good, spirited fun just might rub off on your grumpy teen or put a smile on your testy little toddler’s face. 

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you." —Mother Teresa

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Cottonbro