I can’t think of a better way to get hands-on at Christmastime than to spend the holiday season blessing others! In an already busy season, taking the time to serve can bless others in ways we can’t imagine. An added bonus is that it helps encourage our kids to have servants’ hearts during the holidays and all year long.
Though serving others should never be limited to Christmastime alone, something about the Christmas season helps us to focus on others in ways that many neglect to do at other times throughout the year. Here are 10 ways to get Hands-On This Christmas and be a blessing to others.
10 Ways to Serve This Christmas
1. Visit a local nursing home.
Have your kids make Christmas cards or pictures and then deliver them to local nursing home residents. You might even be able to make arrangements to go Christmas caroling from room to room as you deliver the cards.
2. Think globally.
Think outside the box and give through World Vision or Compassion International. Chickens, ducks, goats, job training, sewing machines, clean water, school supplies, and medical supplies are just a few options that would make a huge difference for children and families all over the world. And, while you’re browsing your gift options, prayerfully consider sponsoring a child.
3. Make a meal and deliver it.
You probably don’t have to look too far to find someone who is sick, working long hours, helping with aging parents, etc. Making a meal for them is an easy, yet always appreciated way to be a blessing.
Your kids can jump in and help with the cooking, the packaging, and the delivery. You can find great suggestions on what to make in this Take Them a Meal post: Top 13 “Meal Ministry” Meals. (PIN IT here)
4. Start a Blessing Jar.
Gather up your loose change and bills and use them for a Blessing Jar. It may not seem like much, but it could make a huge difference for a family in need.
5. Do Random Acts of Kindness.
Use a Random Acts of Kindness list in lieu of your usual Advent calendar. There are lots of great ideas out there and many of them cost nothing. (PIN IT here)
6. Volunteer.
Volunteer to serve in your community soup kitchen. Most have at least a couple of jobs kids can do, even if they end up working alongside mom or dad. It’s important for your kids to serve, but it’s equally important for them to know you’re doing it, too!
7. Make Blessing Bags.
Blessings Bags are hugely helpful for homeless or transient families. A trip to your Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Target can supply you with all you need to pack lots of useful items into a gallon size bags and deliver them to your local shelter. You could even customize some specifically for women, men, and children. (PIN IT here)
8. Shop for other kids.
Look into programs like Toys for Tots and Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and see what fits your family. You may even have smaller organizations in your community with similar programs. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love choosing these gifts and bringing smiles to the faces of other kids.
9. Send a care package.
Send a holiday care package to troops overseas. Be sure to check out this list of tips from the USPS is also helpful for preparing your care package.
10. Make and deliver Craft Kits.
Along the same lines as Blessings Bags, Craft Kits for Hospitalized Children are a fantastic way to do something special for kids who are spending their holidays in a hospital bed. (PIN IT here)
What are your favorite ideas for serving as a family? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Day 1 – Fun and Easy Christmas Treats Kids Can Make
Day 2 – No-Stress Christmas Arts & Crafts
Day 3 – Ways to Bless Others This Christmas
Day 4 – Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make
Day 5 – Awesome Ideas for Homeschooling at Christmas