8 Ways Mentorships Benefit Everyone

Winter holiday season is in full swing! That’s right: the streets are aglow with lights, there’s a brisk cold feeling in the air, and a warm, familiar feeling in our hearts. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate.  No matter what holidays you celebrate this time of year, one thing is undeniable: it’s the best time of the year to spread some cheer. This season, be a part of the merriment by giving back through these four fun festive ways to spread holiday cheer. Donate winter goods. Winter may be a time of joy for most, but for many it’s a time of severe struggles. The coldest season has come, and some friends in our community may not have the necessary winter clothes, supplies or homes to stay safe. Many families feel a sense of regret because they cannot provide a meal or gifts for their children—or moreover, choose to give gifts rather than pay immediate bills. However, you can help alleviate struggles within your own community by donating winter goods to a local shelter or nonprofit. Many shelters accept new or gently used winter items like coats, gloves, hats and boots for all ages. Food banks will also take donations to put together a holiday meal for a family in need. This brings joy to their clients during difficult times, and helps free up money to pay necessary bills. You can spread cheer this holiday season by giving back to those who need it most. Go caroling. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” —Buddy the Elf. This season, spread some holiday cheer by caroling for the neighbors and friends in your community. Get a group together and compile a songs list to share with others. If you really want to get creative, check with local nonprofit organizations to see if any of their clients would like to hear a caroling group. Hospitals, retirement homes and recovery facilities are all great examples of places that love listening to holiday cheer. For an added bonus, consider bringing a donation basket to your caroling locations, then give the donations to a nonprofit organization of your choice. Encourage goodwill. The easiest (and possibly most difficult) way to spread holiday cheer this season is through our everyday interactions with other people. Encourage goodwill in your community by showing you care for others through your actions towards them. Bake cookies for your neighbor, say hello to a stranger who looks down or even send a kind message to a long-lost friend on social media. No matter what, your gift of goodwill can never be too small. When we all come together and encourage goodwill among ourselves, we embrace the season of giving, and care for those closest to us in our community. We spread holiday cheer. Give back. Finally, give holiday cheer this season by giving back to local nonprofit organizations who desperately need it. Nothing means more than helping those in need, and you can do just that. Whether it’s through a monetary donation or volunteering your time, your gift this holiday season shows you love and support those in your community. And after the holidays are over, don’t forget to carry on the holiday cheer by continuing to share your gifts with those around you. The holidays are an important time to give back, but the rest of the year means just as much when it comes to supporting our friends in need. This season, spread some holiday cheer by focusing on these four easy ways to share happiness with those around you. When all of us come together in the spirit of the season, we truly make the world a more joyful place.