‘Pay it Forward’ with These Holiday Giving Back Traditions

Every family has holiday traditions, something to look forward to each year. Where family and friends gather and celebrate the season.

I’m big on family and traditions as well. We often times get so involved with buying extravagant gifts that we forget about what’s really important; spending time with our families and helping those less fortunate. I’ve come up with five ways you can give back this holiday season.

• Volunteer your time as a family at a soup kitchen or a food bank that hands out food to families in need.
• Find a giving tree that allows you to sponsor a family in need or purchase toys for children in need. Go shopping for the items together and donate them.
• Go through closets and donate gently used clothing (coats are particularly useful this time of year) to a local shelter.
• Deliver cookies and treats to your local fire station, police department, and even the staff at your local hospital. After all, they’ll be working through the holiday.

I think it’s really important to be thankful for what we have in our lives and we should always make time to give back and to help those in need. I hope you take action and start a giving back holiday tradition with your family.