Giving gifts is one way to show you care. During the holidays, people become more aware of those in need around them. The urge to give gifts is natural, but it doesn’t have to break your budget.
There are many in need throughout the year although most people only think about giving to them at Christmas. There are many ways to give without spending a lot of money.
One of the best and cheapest gifts is your time. Helping deliver meals to inmates, feeding the homeless, or even babysitting your neighbor’s child are a few examples. Many food pantries and shelters are overwhelmed with people this time of year and would always appreciate an extra set of hands. Sometimes anything from clothing to blankets to food needs to be delivered to those in need.
Another cheap gift to give is kindness. It can be a meal for an elderly neighbor or a helping hand for that tired mom at the grocery store. Kindness is often overlooked as the greatest gift worth giving. The best part is the fast return, better than any money market account. You will feel the joy instantly.
Using the skills you already have is a great way to give a gift. If you can create an offer to help fix something for someone. If you sew, make a warm sweater for the person you see living on the street. If you cook, take a freshly cooked meal to someone in need, like the person you see buying only bread and potatoes at the store every week because they can’t afford anything else. If you can read, go to a school and volunteer your time, read to children who cannot read. If you can hear, sit next to the old lady on the bus who has no one to talk to. If you can write, write to a soldier in Iraq, then write to his wife and children in the US vacationing alone.
The holidays are also a great time to remember those who serve others the rest of the year. Try giving a card to your doorman, garbage man, policeman, even the minister. You can make a card using stamps or writing in calligraphy. Many people deserve a thank you card, like the gas station attendant or the waitress who brought you your food, even the bagger at the grocery store. A thank you note or letter will brighten up your holidays.
There are many gifts that a person can give that cost nothing. The only thing they cost is your time, energy, compassion, and heart. During the holiday season, you can give an inexpensive gift that is worth more than all the money you have. Look around you and then get to work!
