tis the season to give: different ways to donate this year

Most holiday movies have similar themes: caring, sharing, and giving to others. In the words of Kris Kringle from the Miracle on 34th Street movie, "I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives." The month of December is meant to be about kindness, giving to others, and softening our hearts. It is about seeing beyond our own circumstances. Yes, it is about traditions and beautiful memories with loved ones, but it is about more than that, too. In recent years, it seems the "selfish and hateful tendencies" have become more apparent in society. There is more cruelty, more harm, more destruction, and less hope. The selfish and hateful seem to be prioritized over the selfless and loving. While I don't have a cure for this shifting attitude, it highlights the need to give this holiday season. To focus on putting good into a world that so often falls short. Here are some suggestions and ideas to consider this month. 

There are so many ways to donate and give back this holiday season. There is no right or wrong way, so consider choosing something on this list that speaks to you. It can include financial donations, time, clicks, or small acts of kindness.

• Financial Donations: It is possible to donate to your favourite charity (my preferred charity is the Michael Cuccione Foundation for childhood cancer research) with whatever amount you feel comfortable with, participate in an Angel Tree program in your area, to gift resources like Ms. Magazine to women in prison or domestic violence shelters, or to purchase toys for a local toy drive. Look for ways that you can benefit the life of another this season.
• Donations of Time. Giving back doesn't necessarily require a financial contribution. It is also possible to donate your time through volunteer work in your community. Look for opportunities to serve this month and beyond! It is also possible to shovel the driveway for an elderly neighbor, sit with someone who is lonely this holiday season, and let love determine your schedule. A little bit of time can make a notable difference to others.
• Click To Give. There are all sorts of click-to-donate websites that allow you to make a difference, bit by bit. The money essentially comes from advertisers on these pages and that advertising revenue is then used to benefit certain causes. It is also possible to look for petitions to sign that align with your interests or a subject matter that you are passionate about. Create positive change this holiday season, one click at a time.
• Focus on Small Acts of Kindness. Another way to give and donate this year is to focus your attention on small acts of kindness. This could mean sending a Christmas card to someone that is on your mind, baking cookies for a neighbor, picking up grocery items for a busy mother, grabbing a hot chocolate for a co-worker, or smiling at whoever you pass on the street. Do what you can to infuse a little more kindness into the world around you. 

It is easy to feel discouraged about the state of the world. I certainly have had many moments of despair. Instead of letting that feeling take over, it is important to push back and let the light shine through. There is no room for the "selfish and hateful tendencies." Not in December and not in the New Year. The more goodness we put out into the world, the more we are able to weaken the darkness. To quote Michael Cuccione, "Sometimes, we must live through the darkness in order to see the light. We must visualize." This season, I am doing just that. I am visualizing a better world for us all. I am believing in positive change. 

Please share your suggestions below for different ways to donate and give back this holiday season!