A Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to give this holiday season. Here are some different ways to give back to others in a major way this holiday season.

1. Play Secret Santa and Help a Struggling Family

The holidays are hard for parents trying to make it through the year. Some parents may even put themselves in debt to ensure that their kids open gifts on Christmas morning. Why not surprise one of these families in need by paying off their layaway balance so when they go to pick up their Christmas presents, they are able to use their saved money for more pressing needs. If you are not sure how to find someone to help, donate to the Pay Away the Layaway non-profit organization.

2. Help Sick Children Celebrate the Holidays

Many sick children have to spend the holidays in the hospital while they recover from an illness or surgery. Some of these hospitals partner with companies like Amazon to create wish lists for their child patients. Purchase some presents from the wish lists to help children wake up to the gifts they were waiting for, even when not at home.

3. Treat People to a Holiday Lunch

Many people work during the holiday season, so everyone else is able to celebrate. Hospital staff, police officers, and fire department personnel give up time with their families to serve the public. Why not reward their hard work by treating them to a nice holiday meal? Find a group and order a lavish lunch or dinner for them to let them know their work is appreciated.

4. Donate Your Airline Miles

Many great organizations work hard to make sick and terminally ill children's dreams come true, such as the Make a Wish foundation. While you may know that these charities are always willing to accept financial donations, you may not realize that they also are grateful for donated flight miles, which they use for airfare to help fulfill children's wishes.

5. Consider a Large Charitable Donation

The holidays are the ideal time to donate. You may be able to take advantage of the tax break on your return for that year and provide much-needed support to charities when they might need it. Start by looking in your local community at hospitals and non-profits. Find out their specific needs for the year, and consider a donation to cover those costs.

This holiday season, get into the giving spirit by trying one of the five ways of contributing listed above. You may brighten someone else's day and lift your spirits as well.