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

November 29, 2020 By Heidi 36 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

How to Spread Christmas Cheer This Year

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

Cell 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

Secret Santa

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!

Peppermint Bath Salts Recipe DIY

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

Target Money Saving Tips and Tricks

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

Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Easy

#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…

DIY 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!

Christmas Cards - Basic Invite

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?!?

Holiday Cards - Basic Invite

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

More Creative Christmas Ideas:

55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults

Whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!

Christmas Activities for Families

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

Leave a comment & share!

Filed Under: ad, Christmas, Sponsored

Comments

  1. Molly Pisula says

    December 4, 2020 at 9:35 am

    These are such sweet ideas! I particularly like the one about paying for a coffee for the person behind you in line. And cookies of course–my favorite holiday tradition is baking cookies with my mom and sister, and then giving out plates to family, friends, and neighbors!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 4, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      Those are both such great traditions, Molly! And I love how you get together with your Mom and Sister to bake, too! Those must be such sweet memories year after year.

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    December 3, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    These are all great ideas! Our neighbor across the street put up his Christmas lights today and they look so festive!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 4, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      That’s so nice, Michelle! Putting up lights in your yard is such a great way to spread a little cheer!

      Reply
  3. Lauren says

    December 3, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    These are such wonderful ideas! Great way to get into the holiday spirit! I was planning on baking some cookies today. Now I think I’ll make enough to share with neighbors too <3

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 3, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      That’s a wonderful idea, Lauren… I’m sure your neighbors will love that tasty little surprise!

      Reply
  4. Balvinder says

    December 2, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    What wonderful ideas to spread Christmas cheer!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 7, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      Thanks so much, Balvinder… I’m so glad you like the tips! 🙂

      Reply
  5. CoCo says

    December 2, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    These are all such great ideas and special ways to make the holiday season merry and bright too, Heidi! I’m all about spreading Christmas cheer 🙂 Hugs, CoCo

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      Thanks, CoCo… I’m so glad you liked the ideas to spread around some extra cheer this year! I hope you have a lovely Christmas season!

      Reply
  6. Kathrine Eldridge says

    December 2, 2020 at 5:09 am

    Yes to all of these ideas! We are going to have a neighbor progressive dinner in our driveways, socially distant of course.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 2, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      What a fun idea, Katherine… I love how your neighborhood is all coming together like that!

      Reply
  7. selvaggia Capizzi says

    December 2, 2020 at 3:02 am

    I love the idea of the coffee shop, I will do that!
    Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
    Facebook
    Bloglovin’

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 2, 2020 at 6:15 pm

      That’s such a great idea… have fun paying it forward this holiday season!

      Reply
  8. Danielle says

    December 1, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    I love these ideas! Someone paid it forward for me in the Starbucks line the other day, and it made my day! I need to remember to do it more for others!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 1, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      Oh that’s so sweet, Danielle! I just love the pay-it-forward coffee shop trend! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sophie says

    December 1, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    I love how inexpensive a lot of these ideas are, such simple gestures can really make someone’s day.

    Sophie

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 1, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      That’s so true, Sophie! Sometimes it really is just the smallest things that can brighten someone’s day!

      Reply
  10. Danai @ Living, Learning, Eating says

    December 1, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    I love these! Christmas is my favorite month of the year and while I’m usually a huge texter and never really call anyone, this year I’m going to try to make a point of it. I’ll be either heavily pregnant or a new mom on Christmas, but if I’m still just heavily pregnant spending a few hours catching up with all my family around the world, especially after this crazy year, sounds perfect!

    living-learning-eating.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 1, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      That sounds like such a nice idea, Danai… I’m sure your family around the world will LOVE hearing your voice on the phone! And congratulations on your sweet little baby on the way… that’s SO exciting!!

      Reply
  11. delphine says

    December 1, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Merci pour toutes ces idées, de quoi faire plaisir à tous
    Belle soirée

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 1, 2020 at 10:32 am

      Belle soirée … et joyeux Noël, Delphine!

      Reply
  12. Natalia says

    December 1, 2020 at 1:41 am

    So nice!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 1, 2020 at 10:32 am

      Thanks so much, Natalia! I hope you have a lovely holiday season!

      Reply
  13. Aarthi | Prepbowls says

    November 30, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    Much need happiness this year, and these are great ideas to cheer up the holiday. Always handmade gifts / cookies is valuable than store brought. Especially this year, these small little things can make a huge difference , thanks for sharing a great post!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 30, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      You’re very welcome, Aarthi! And you’re right… there’s something so sweet about receiving homemade treats. The time, energy and thought behind the gift really makes it even more special!

      Reply
  14. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    November 30, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    Some good tips. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 30, 2020 at 6:43 pm

      You’re very welcome, John! Merry Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Christina Klaiber says

    November 30, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    This is so great!! This year, we definitely need to keep in mind those that are elderly and alone. You have some great ideas, Heidi. 🙂
    Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas!!

    Cheers,
    Christina
    thefrugalduo.com

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 30, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      Thanks so much, Christina! I’m so glad you liked the tips… and I hope you have an amazing Christmas as well!

      Reply
  16. Christie says

    November 30, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    You share so many amazing ideas and I am going to try a few of them! This Christmas will be very different from others so we need all the christmas cheer we can get!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 30, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      Aww… thank you, Christie! And I agree… the more cheer this year the better! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Allie Mackin says

    November 30, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    So many great ideas. This year will be certainly be different from other years for sure. But still so many ways to celebrate. Excellent post!

    Allie of
    http://www.allienyc.com

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 30, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Thanks so much, Allie! You’re right… it will definitely be a bit different this year, but I love how many simple ways there still are to spread a little cheer!

      Reply
  18. Aimsy says

    November 29, 2020 at 12:58 pm

    I love all of these ideas! There is just something about spreading a bit of festive cheer isn’t there?! I always make a few handmade gifts for a foodie hamper for my family at Christmas…I just love the process of making them and giving away. I am going to look into local charities to donate to this year.
    Thanks for all the ideas
    Aimsy xoxo
    https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 29, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      You’re very welcome, Aimsy… I’m so glad you liked the ideas! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!

      Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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