The holidays often come with a hefty price tag.
To keep costs down, I craft gifts for extended family and pals, and my kids and I bake batches of cookies to deliver to neighbors and caregivers.
It’s also a season for generosity.
We’re nudged at the store to grab a jar of peanut butter or a box of cereal for the food pantry; asked to add an extra dollar to our purchase; and empty shoeboxes pile up at church, waiting to be filled with toys and toiletries.
Before long, households can feel swamped by the many avenues for giving.
Most of us want to help in some fashion. San Francisco reportsa 56% risein charitable donations over the holiday period. Numerous other big U.S. cities note similar upticks during the festive season.
But if you’re frugal or strapped for cash this time of year, you may not be keen to open your wallet to give.
Below are eight ways to be generous and help others without spending money.
1. Volunteer at a Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen
Think about dedicating a few hours to help at your neighborhood food pantry or soup kitchen. Serving meals and meeting those who benefit from donations can be eye-opening and deepen your understanding of the need — and the value of giving.
When you can’t donate money, volunteering your time is a meaningful way to contribute to an organization.
2. Pass Along Toys, Clothing and Holiday Decorations
Sort through your home and set aside toys, garments in good condition, or unused holiday decorations that you no longer use. Many households have more than they truly need, so pass along useful items that aren’t essential to you.
Some people even find that donating is easier than trying to sell used goods.
If you know a household that can’t afford festive décor this year, collect some of your extras and help brighten their season.
3. Host a Family or Friends for a Meal
Inviting friends or relatives who may be having a hard time to share a meal is a lovely way to spread joy and it doesn’t have to be expensive. My go-to sites for budget-friendly recipes areBudget Bytesand$5 Dinners.
We try to welcome over people who might appreciate a home-cooked meal, those coping with loss, or folks who are alone for the holidays. This year is my first Christmas since my brother passed, and I know having company will be comforting.
4. Dress as Santa or Mrs. Claus and Visit a Children’s Hospital
Kids often feel the holiday magic, but illness can make that sparkle harder to find.
Many children’s hospitals permit visitors to bring crafts, stage a puppet show, or even dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus. Contact your local hospital to learn about opportunities.
5. Use Your Skills to Knit or Sew for Preemie Babies
Both of my daughters were given tiny knitted hats right after birth. We treasure those hats and keep them as mementos of their first moments.
Some infants, though, arrive too small for the usual newborn hats.
When a relative had preemie twins, my mother was asked to knit several tiny caps. That experience reminded me how important it is for hospitals to have preemie-sized hats and garments on hand.
If you can knit, making a dozen preemie hats is quick and easy — and you can often use leftover yarn scraps. It’s a heartfelt way to help that doesn’t have to cost anything.
6. Spend Time at a Retirement Home — Lead Crafts, Play Music or Plan an Event
Every few months my mother-in-law visits a senior living community to sing and chat with residents. She finds those visits especially meaningful during the holidays.
Many residents have lost loved ones; a friendly face can make the season feel brighter.
7. Lend a Hand at a Community Holiday Event
My favorite holiday tradition is scoping out which local festival is happening each weekend. We try to keep weekends open so we can enjoy them — and many of these events are free.
If there’s a festival that matters to you or your family, think about volunteering your time.
Our kids are small now, but as they grow we want them to help with our town’s parade. It teaches them that fun, free events require a lot of work and fosters a sense of civic participation.
8. Go Caroling With Family and Friends
Spread holiday spirit by assembling a group and singing carols through your neighborhood. This is a pleasant way to reconnect with neighbors and lift people’s spirits.
We’ll be taking our kids caroling this year, even though none of us are accomplished singers!
Your Turn: How do you spread holiday cheer?
