You've heard this before: amidst the gift-shopping frenzy and the endless dinners and parties, the spirit of Christmas is really all about sharing our time and showing joy and love to others. Expectations are high this season, as Grinches have no place at the Christmas table. If you want to be on Santa's nice list, you've got make an effort to spread the Christmas cheer. Below are six great ways to pass the cheer:
1) Write letters.
Letter writing has become a lost art, especially when you can easily buy Christmas cards or notes with your preferred or personalized design online. If you take a few minutes to write someone a letter and send via snail mail, the value and the uniqueness of the gesture can be "dramatic," according to Becoming Minimalist. Your letter might just be the best thing the other person will get this Christmas.
2) Respond to invites.
Even if you don't have any intention to go to someone's Christmas party, it would be good to give them a call to let them know. Like actual letters, RSVP has become a lost art too, when it's actually a reflection of good manners. The host will surely appreciate your gesture if you personally let them know you can't come to their party. "Ten years ago, it would have been rare to chase RSVPs, now it is commonplace. People simply aren't so polite now. I wrote to thank someone for a dinner the other day and the host said I was the only person who bothered to," said events planner Sarah Haywood via Telegraph.
3) Decorate your place.
It doesn't have to be fancy and you can even put up Christmas decorations even if your place is small. You'd be amazed how much some sparkle can quickly put your family and guests in the spirit of Christmas.
4) Plan an outreach.
Involve your family, especially the kids, who probably have plenty of toys with which they no longer play. Pool them together and donate to a charity like Toys For Tots. You'll be able to make many children happy this Christmas.
5) Don't forget the service people.
Give small gifts to the mailman, or the garbage collector, or the guys who fix your phone, Internet and cable connection and bring a smile to their faces. Your gesture will let them know you also value them despite the type of minimal interaction you have with each other.
6) Greet strangers with "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays."
It's one of the simplest and most basic things you can do that can inspire others to do the same, according to Family Education. If they are the first do it, respond and reciprocate the gesture.
