The holiday season is intended to be the time of the year when we take a break from our regular day-to-day tasks and enjoy time with those we love. Unfortunately, the season does tend to be demanding at times.
Especially for those who may not be as fortunate and cannot afford some of the things we take for granted, like presents or even food. The holidays can be a sad time of the year for many families in the city. After a year like 2021, we must look out for one another and reach out to those in our communities. While you may be busy looking for family gift ideas, think about the more minor things you can do to spread the love this season. Here are a few ways to bring holiday joy to your neighbourhood and the ones you cherish most.
Thoughtful Christmas gift Ideas for the community: Random Acts of Kindness
Acts of kindness are a great way to spread the holiday cheer and the gift of giving. Do you have any seniors that live in your neighbourhood? Why not shovel their driveway once in a while. Or even purchase their groceries for them. You can let someone move ahead of you in line at the store. The great thing about acts of kindness is that they spread. When you do something nice for a stranger, they will likely do something nice for someone else.
Thoughtful Christmas Ideas for a family in need: Donate Food
With the year we have gone through, now more than ever, it is important to donate to food banks. There are a lot of families that struggle to put food on the table during this time of year. Why not do your part and donate non-perishable food items. The Holland Landing Food Pantry in East Gwillimbury is an excellent place to start. Most grocery stores have a food drive you can donate food and other goods. Some grocery chains accept cash donations or have prepacked food baskets, which can be purchased and donated.
Thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for teens: Donate Clothes
Teens can help serve their community too by donating their good quality used clothing, housewares, sports equipment, shoes, books, video games, DVDs, CDs, and furniture. Some thrift stores accepting donations in the area include:
Salvation Army Northridge Community Church
Thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for kids: Donate Toys
Putting a smile on a child's face is one of the warmest feelings in the world. And we can all play our part in making as many smiles as possible. Do your kids have toys they no longer play with? It is a good idea to donate those toys to local charities. It will be a warm gesture to a kid in need, but the act will also teach your kids about helping those less fortunate. Many of the donation centres listed above accept toys as well. Some toy drives only accept new toys. Stop by a store and purchase a brand toy for a child in need.
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for parents:
Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for an expectant or busy mom or perhaps a present for the amazing father who could use a bit of RnR —these gifts for parents are sure to help. You can gift a family photo album in the form of a calendar so they can relive all the best memories throughout 2022. Purchase mama bear/papa bear/baby bear shirts to welcome the newborn in style. And you can’t go wrong with a set of matching PJs for Christmas morning.
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for coworkers:
Although we spend most of the waking hours with them throughout the week, our coworkers are sometimes the most forgotten during the festive season. There’s no time like the present to show your love and gratitude. Send a friendly email to a co-worker about how much you appreciate them. Bring a homemade treat you know they’ll love, or plan a work party with lots of fun games to foster a bond.
Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for grandparents and distant relatives: Stay In Touch
A simple act of communication goes a long way. Calling a friend or family member that you haven't seen in a while could be the best gift you can give. If you know someone spending the holidays alone, reach out to them by phone or video chat. Another way to communicate is by letter. There is nothing like opening a letter and reading a heartfelt message right before Christmas. Send a personal holiday greeting card to grandparents and other long-distance loved ones.
Get the most out of the holiday season in East Gwillimbury by exploring the many wintertime activities close to your Queensville home. Have a look at our amenities map here to get started.