It’s official. Time to light those menorahs and start penning letters to the North Pole; the 2021 holiday season has officially begun.
All across the nation, families are busy preparing for the month of December. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, or everything in between, December is a month packed with holiday spirit.
As fun as it is to spread joy within your own family, making a positive impact on your community can be an even more enriching experience. Check out some of the ideas below on how to spread holiday cheer in your town.
Shop Small
Now more than ever, it's vital to shop small to support your local businesses. A 2021 survey by American Express revealed that many businesses count on the revenue from December to last them the entire year. In fact, a startling 78% of business owners report that their December revenue will determine how likely it is that they will stay afloat the following year.
So, what do we make of this? Supporting small businesses during the holiday season is paramount to the health and strength of your local economy. Additionally, shopping locally helps your fellow neighbors continue to make a living and put food on their table. Consider ditching Amazon or Walmart and shop at your mom-and-pop store instead.
Plant A Tree
Trees not only improve your community’s aesthetic, but they purify the air, too. While many of us already know this, it’s easy to underestimate just how powerful trees are in combating our looming environmental crisis.
Trees suck carbon out of the air and turn it into oxygen, and many environmental activists say that any given tree can suck 48 pounds of CO2 per year. Needless to say, trees are formidable tools in combating climate change.
Interested in planting a tree but don’t know where to start? There are plenty of organizations you can work with to organize tree planting events in your neighborhood. For example, City Plants helps you get started and even helps you become a neighborhood block leader. Arbor Day Foundation is another great place to start.
Give back to your community by making your town a little prettier, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. Consider planting a tree today.
Donate Your Old Items
Let's face it; we all have items around the house that we no longer use. From clothes that no longer fit thanks to the Covid-15 to blankets we've upgraded, most American households are packed with items that haven’t been used in years.
Consider donating these items to a charity of your choice. If you have children in the house, you can make this a fun game by seeing who can round up the most items the fastest.
Not only will this help de-clutter your own space, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing how much you are helping your community.
Donate Your Time
From organizing holiday food drives to volunteering in your local hospital, there is no shortage of establishments that need your help to strengthen your community.
If you're worried about interacting with other people during Covid, you can donate your time in other ways. Check out your local nonprofits and organizations to see if you can donate time virtually by writing emails, making phone calls, and so forth.
The holiday season isn't just about connecting with your family; it can also be an excellent opportunity to connect with your community as a whole. There are many great ways to support your local town - from helping lower your town's carbon footprint to helping support nonprofit organizations; there's something for everyone. Plus, you never know - your help just might land you on Santa’s nice list.
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