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Let’s be honest. We’ve had a difficult few years here on earth. We’re in and out of lock-downs, our health services are crippled and we’re all fed up. It’s understandable for people to feel bitter and shy away from the usual holiday cheer.
I’m a major grinch at heart. Our tree hasn’t left the attic in over two years and as soon as I hear Christmas music, I cringe. But this year, for the first time ever, we’re spending Christmas at home. Just my husband, me, and the two cats. That means getting drunk on Christmas eve, having a few nibbles with my best friend, and enjoying some party games. I’m determined to have a good time this year even if I’m still cringing on the inside.
5 Simple Ways you can spread holiday cheer this season.
1. Send a greeting card.
Greeting cards are the simplest and often cheapest way to spread holiday cheer. No matter where you get your cards, whether they’re handmade or from your local supermarket, it’s always nice to send a card to your friends and neighbours. But over the last few years, we haven’t sent cards due to various bereavements, as is a tradition in my family. However, this year we were kindly given the opportunity to send these fun and whimsical cards from Aura Print. Aura Print provides greeting card printing, wedding stationery, flyers, tags and, as some of you may know, business cards.
Not only are these simple and sleek, but they’re also outside the norm for your average greet card. Perfect to let my friends and family know that I’m thinking of them this Christmas season. I’ve already been out posting them to my local neighbours and have several ready for the post box!
If you’re in the market for something different this year, or even on the lookout for any of their other services, give Aura Print a try.
2. Donating to a local charity.
I couldn’t let a post like this go by without mentioning the most obvious way to spread joy; Giving back. Although not everyone is understandably able to afford massive donations, even a pound is better than nothing. I’ve found myself supporting many charities this year from animal shelters right through to hospice care. But one charity that holds a significant place in my heart is The Eating Disorder Association for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has always been notorious for poor medical funding, especially in regards to mental health. Although there are numerous failings, eating disorder services appear to be one of the worst areas affected. Sadly, due to the pandemic, a lot of people have found themselves isolated and suffering. As a result, we’ve seen a distinct rise in the number of people contacting the charity for help and advice.
A donation to Eating Disorders Association N.I. helps us to continue to provide free 24/7 support to those affected by eating disorders in Northern Ireland. We provide support for both the person affected and their loved ones, through email, telephone, 1:1s, support groups, and awareness-raising events.
- £10 could help us to answer emails, providing vital support.
- £20 could help us to answer our 24/7 helpline so that people feel less alone.
- £40 could help us run our online support groups, bringing people together, and reducing isolation.
As an ambassador for the charity, I know how important public support is. If we could reach even £100 we would have the resources to help so many people in Northern Ireland.
3. Organise a virtual holiday quiz.
If this year has taught me anything it’s the power of technology. Without it, life in lockdown would have been much, much harder. With apps such as Skype and Zoom, we’ve been able to keep in touch with loved ones in more ways than ever before.
If you’ve yet to experience your first Zoom quiz, then here are a few necessary tips.
- Elect a quiz master. You can take turns each week, split rounds or appoint someone to ask questions and play referee when things get heated.
- Make sure each quiz or round has a theme. At the moment I’m planning a “The Big Virtual Quiz of the Year!” We’ll be dressing up and each group will be in charge of coming up with questions based on 2020.
- Pick an awesome team name. My husband and I are known as “The Petrosexuals”.
- Share your quizzes online. I’ll be releasing my quiz questions (and others) so you can all host your own virtual quizzes with no extra work.
- Make a night of it. Instead of the traditional holiday party, get comfy in your own living room with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and even some festive snacks.
- Above all else, remember to have fun!
4. Dust off the decorations.
It sounds obvious but dusting off your holiday decorations can really help you feel more festive. We may be separated or isolated over the holidays, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it. Even putting up external decorations can help spread joy to your friends and neighbours.
Wrap some lights around the porch, hang the wreath, light the Yule log, and light the cinnamon-spiced candle. You’ll be feeling the holiday vibes in no time.
5. Thank your local key workers!
Finally, why not make a point of personally (but safely) thanking your local keyworkers? They’ve worked hard on the front lines during this pandemic and will continue to do so over the coming months.
My late grandmother always ensured she tipped the bin men, postman, and even those in her local store during the holidays. And her generosity didn’t go unnoticed! They not only felt appreciated but the bin men even started taking the bins in for her after lifting them. It’s just one beautiful example of how infectious kindness can be.
Struggling with ideas? Give your postie a card, tip the bin men or even send a hamper to your local care home.
These are wonderful ideas to spread cheers during holidays. It had been years since I last received a Christmas card and had forgotten what a great feeling it is. Yesterday I received one and I was laughing like a child. It might seem a bit old fashioned but the joy receiving a Christmas card from someone far away through post office cannot be compared with opening an email. I have decorated it under the Christmas tree and just looking at it makes me smile.
Awesome list!! Love the charities you mentioned so important this time of year as well. Also, I love the holiday quizzes that’s such a good idea! 🙂
These are such great suggestions! I especially love the idea of hosting a virtual quiz night.
This is such a lovely reminder of all the little things we can do to make sure we put good things out into the universe, especially at this time of year which can be tough for so many people.
Hhhhmmmm….organising a virtual quiz seems to be doing the trick these days. The ones I have attended in this time are so much fun! Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Love some simple small things that you have mentioned here. I would really love to thank all my local workers here.
I love these ideas! I’m writing my Christmas cards tonight so that they are ready to post tomorrow 🙂 I only send to 3 people but it’s festive nevertheless x
Love these simple ideas. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top just because it’s Christmas. Anything nice is nice.
The pandemic easily took away holiday cheer this past few years. We had to adjust and think on how to celebrate differently. I love all these simple things you mentioned. Im thinking of how we can thank our local workers
Christmas is not all about the food, parties and presents. Dont forget to give back to the community and donate anything you can.
I love sending greetings cards on the Holidays. Its a great way to spread joy and cheers in Christmas. The kids love it too.
Some great tips here Nyxie, I need to find myself an online quiz on Zoom I think!
These are all amazing ideas and love that you included some to give back! I think we are going to organise some small presents for our postman and usual delivery man as they are always so helpful and see them every day! Hope this Christmas will be better x
Yes, I love sending stationery! e-Cards are great and all, but there’s something so special about sending and receiving cards in the mail!
I love these ideas! I’m Christmas obsessed and after not feeling so festive last year I’ve made it my goal to cram in the festive feels this year ????
These are great ideas! I’ll dust off our decorations right now – this will be a good start ???? Thanks!
I donate to charity every month but this month I was a little extra generous because I just can’t bare the thought of people struggling and suffering at Christmas (although ultimately there’s nothing I can really do about it other than donate what I can). Great suggestions x
These are simple but effective ways to help spread some festive cheer this year. We could all do with some festive cheer after all of these rubbish with covid. I like to give cards! Thank you for sharing these suggestions.
Lauren – http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
Great ideas.
These are all lovely ideas! I’ve created my own Christmas cards this year to send to family and friends. Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas! ????
Oh Nyxie! I love this post. Christmas is always about spreading a little joy but this year it is needed even more!!
I have a box of celebrations on my doorstep for delivery drivers. I feel I have worked them hard this year and they really deserve a thank you!
Great post x x
I’ve donated to a fair few charities this month so far. Although after watching In the Frow talk about Age UK, I might have to donate to them too. Spreading holiday cheer is sooo important, especially this year. The decorations and lights are making me so happy at the moment x
These are all wonderful ideas! i like to donate and decorate at this time of year!
It would be even more fun to do all of these things with kids if you have them. Such a great way to spend great, quality time while also spreading holiday cheer to those who may need it the most!
I find decorating always gets me in the mood for the season. We have hot chocolate, put on Christmas music and decorate.
Great suggestions! I love the idea of having a virtual quiz with friends and family. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
I like that you’re pointing out on all the things we can do this Christmas instead of all the things we can’t. This is what Christmas is all about; helping out, spreading cheer and reaching out to loved ones. It doesn’t have to be about gifts and dinners and pictures on Santa’s lap. Great post!
Giving away handmade greeting cards is an awesome idea! We are planning to make some and distribute to our neighbors 🙂
My weekly online group is actually organising a zoom Christmas party this year. It’s a nice thing to do especially that many of us are alone for the holidays.
Such lovely ways to dedicate time to your loved ones this holiday. We are keeping this holiday simple.
Such lovely ideas. I loved the idea of an online quiz. I will make some greeting cards with my kids. I would also want to do some donation to express my gratitude during the festive season.
These are all lovely ideas. I never thought of creating a quiz before for the holidays when we’re all apart from our families this year that’s a really great idea to bring us together.
great post and right on time. It is starting to feel like Christmas and I want to spread the joy
A very timely post! After a tough year, I think it’s important we spread some holiday cheer. Great festive tips!
What a great list of ways to spread the holiday cheer. I enjoy making home made cards and thanking my key workers.
Absolutely buying local and supporting the artisans is the number one choice!
I like number 2…Christmas for me is time for sharing and I want to feel them that they are not forgotten
I love these ideas. I did make some greeting cards and I plan to mail them out soon. I know I love getting cards.
I love volunteering and doing some charity work on holidays. There are so many people that are so lonely and have a desperate needs in that time of the year.I think that helping others is very fulfilling.
These are all lovely. I plan on paying it forward this holiday season AND my holiday decor is already up, woot!