How to Spread Christmas Cheer This Year! {10 Ways to Share Joy}

A BIG thank you to Basic Invite for sponsoring today’s post: How to Spread Christmas Cheer This Year!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again!  With the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, festive parties, and growing to-do-lists, it seems to fly by though, doesn’t it?  That’s why it’s so important to schedule meaningful ways to spread joy and bring smiles to those around you all season long!  The holiday season goes by in a flash!

Now are you wondering what the best way to spread Christmas cheer is this year?  Well, as a wise elf once said, it’s by singing loud for all to hear! 🙂  That is definitely a great way… but guess what, there are so many other fabulous ways to spread a little cheer during the holidays, too!  These 10 simple tips will have you dishing out joy all season long!

Here’s what you need to do…

How to Spread Christmas Cheer This Year

#1: Call Your Loved Ones on the Phone

Even though this time of year can feel so busy with the holiday activities, don’t forget to take some time out of your schedule to keep in touch with your loved ones!  And rather than just texting, take some time to actually call them on the phone.

There’s something so sweet and comforting about hearing your friend or family member’s voice on the phone, isn’t there?  And when you make that call, the person on the other end of the line will just love knowing you took time out of your busy schedule to make them a priority!

#2: Pay it Forward at your Local Coffee Shop

Another fun idea is to pay it forward at your local coffee shop!  Whether you’re ordering inside, or just in the drive through, simply tell your barista you want to pay for the next person’s coffee in line.  If there is no one in line behind you, you can just pay for an extra drink and ask them to give that to the next customer for FREE!

This tradition has actually gotten really popular in Italy over the past few years.  They call it ‘Caffè sospeso’, which essentially means ‘suspended coffee’. Basically they will pay for 2 cups of coffee when ordering, so the second one can be given to someone by the barista who could use a free cup later that day.  Sometimes the tradition will keep going on for days, while the next person pays for the following person’s coffee, and so on.  Talk about a thoughtful tradition!

#3: Be a Secret Santa to Someone in Need

Have you noticed a need in someone’s life?  Well guess what… you can be your own Secret Santa this year to someone in need!  There’s no need to wait for someone else to step in and help, when you can make someone’s Christmas miracle come true this year!

For example, we knew a family that had a lawn mower break.  It was a really tough time financially for them, and they just couldn’t afford to replace it.  So, we headed to the store, bought a lawn mower, and put a huge shiny red bow on it.  Then we sneakily rolled it up near the front of their house, rang the doorbell, and dashed away.  They never did find out who it was from, and it was such a fun way to bless someone anonymously!

#4: Make Homemade Gifts to Send to Relatives Far Away!

Do you have relatives far away that you won’t be seeing over the holidays this year?  Show them you care by sending them some sweet Homemade Gifts!  They’ll be so surprised to open the sweet and thoughtful package from you!  Check out these Christmas Crafts for some fun and easy ideas!

#5: Donate Food to your Local Food Bank or Homeless Shelter

The holidays can be such a difficult time for those struggling financially, and such a lonely time for those that are homeless.  Be sure to make a donation to your local food bank, homeless shelter, or both so you can know you’re helping your local neighbors in need.

For the homeless shelter, look around the house for items you no longer need or use, like warm blankets, gloves, sleeping bags, and hats.  Or you could even make up some Homeless Hygiene Kits to donate!

For the food bank, be sure to grab some extra canned goods and non-perishable food items on your next grocery run.  You can also look in your pantry to see if there are items you won’t be using to donate as well.  And don’t forget the back yard!  One of our local food banks here in Arizona will even let you donate extra citrus fruit off your trees!

#6: Surprise your Neighbors with Homemade Cookies

Don’t forget to spread some cheer to your neighbors this year!  It’s always fun to drop off gifts with your neighbors at Christmas time, and homemade jam or cookies are always a welcome surprise!  Take the complicated out of baking this year with these…

101 Easy Christmas Cookies

#7: Shovel Snow For Your Elderly Neighbors

If you live in a colder climate, another great way to spread some love this Winter is by shoveling snow for your elderly neighbors!  With slippery ice, freezing temperatures, and the stress on the back, shoveling snow is actually one of the most dangerous activities for senior citizens.  So go grab your snow shovel and surprise the sweet grandmas and grandpas on your street with some clean-shoveled walkways and driveways!

#8: Deck Out the Outside of Your Home

Another way to spread some Christmas cheer is to go decorate the outside of your home!  Whether you’re living in a tiny  apartment or a big house, decking out the outside will bring so much joy to people all season long!  I like to put out decorations that can be enjoyed both during the daytime and evening.  I picked up 10 Santa hats from the dollar store last year, and put those all over my front yard cactus for a fun pop of color that can be enjoyed during the day.

Then, my hubby and boys go crazy with wrapping lights around our tree trunks and branches, so you can see our bright, twinkling yard from far, far away! 🙂

You can even DIY some of your decorations like these cute wooden Christmas trees…

#9: Dish Out 5 Compliments a Day… with a Smile!

Another fabulous way to spread a little Christmas cheer is simply by offering compliments and smiles to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers!  Make it a goal to compliment at least 5 people each day, and make sure to flash your gorgeous smile while you do!

#10: Send Christmas Cards in the Mail!

One of my favorite ways to spread Christmas cheer each year is by sending Christmas Cards to friends and family in the mail.  Yes, emails and texts are convenient, but nothing compares to receiving a beautiful card in your mail box!

Basic Invite has a gorgeous collection of Christmas cards you can choose from!  You can upload a family photo, pictures of your kids, or opt for a card without photos. And if you’re feeling fancy, foil cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold.  You can choose between flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs!

Or another fun idea is to make your pet center stage on the Holiday Cards you send this year!  I mean, seriously… how cute is this?!?

And if you’re having a little get together, check out these fun Christmas party invitation ideas!

Now if you’re unsure of a friend’s address, you can even use their Address Capturing Service!  Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request their friends and family member’s addresses. The addresses are stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. They even offer recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders.  How nice is that?

So what are you waiting for?  Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51

So, what are your favorite ways to spread Christmas cheer?

Leave a comment & share!