(Photo by Lydia Salas)

Giving Back This Holiday Season

By Kailyn

This holiday season will be a lot different than any other year. Places have shut down and people are getting paranoid. People aren’t having as many get-togethers and staying in quarantine. With everybody at home and hopefully practicing social distancing, there are more ways than you know to give back this holiday season. You can spread the joy and not the virus.

One great way that you can give back to the community is to participate in a food drive where people donate canned and dry foods to those who can’t afford a nice meal for their families. If you want to go the extra mile, you can volunteer at a donation spot to deliver the food. Make sure to wear a mask and gloves.

Something nice you can do for those in the hospital who can’t spend the holidays with their family and friends is writing an encouraging card wishing them a Happy Holidays and to keep fighting. It always makes someone’s day when they receive a note made just for them. I know it always makes me smile. It doesn’t matter if it’s a person you know or a random person. It’s the thought that counts.

In Romans 12:10 it says, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” We need to share the kindness and love one another in the midst of these hard times. Everyone is in the need of a smile no matter where they are in their walk with Christ. But remember that whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. (Colossians 3:17) If you do it because you want to look good in front of other people, you don’t have the right mindset. God sees your heart and your mind.

Something else you could do if you are comfortable is to go around your neighborhood singing Christmas carols door to door. You would need parental supervision and make sure to be at least six feet away from the house. Go with a small group or a group of people you are comfortable being around. Make sure to bring a mask and to sanitize when you are done.

All in all, there is never too much joy to spread around and you can do it safely with a happy heart. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all stay safe and have a great holiday season.