Christmas Straw
Place a straw in a basket beside an empty cradle. Each time a family member does a kind or thoughtful act, they can place a piece of straw in the cradle. On Christmas eve, wrap a baby doll in swaddling clothes and lay on top of the hay.
Struggling Family
Take a basket of gifts to a struggling family. Include food, toys, decorations, and clothing.
Errands
Run errands for a home-bound person.
Caroling
Sing carols at a nursing home-get permission first.
Decorating
Help an elderly or disabled person decorate their home.
Gifts
Call and ask the nursing home or orphanage for a list of residents who normally don’t receive gifts and gift ideas. I do not sign my name to the tag so the resident can assume it is from anyone he/she knows.
Cookies and candies
Cook extra batches and give them to-elderly friends, police, disabled friend, fire department, postman, etc.
Send gifts to overseas service people.
Stationery, stamps, pens, playing cards, and crossword books.
Holiday decorations
Take someone who doesn’t drive to see the Holiday decorations around town.
Babysit
Volunteer to babysit for a single mom so she can go Christmas shopping.
Foodbank
Buy two extra cans of food when you go shopping. Donate to the food bank.
Parents in Prison
Call your local jail and see if they have a gift program for the families of prisoners. If not, ask if you may donate toys, mittens, coloring books, etc. So the prisoners have gifts to give to their families.
Other ideas
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Pick names from a gift-wish tree.
Collect hats, gloves, and scarves for a shelter.
Assist with “Toys for Tots”
Give gifts to missionaries.
Volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army
If you have additional ideas, please share them in the comments below.
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