Merry Christmas! This is absolutely my favorite time of year, and with all the uncertainties and chaos of 2020, I am definitely ready for the comfort and familiarity of Christmastime. There will be a few changes of course, but much of the good stuff will be the same!

One of those changes of course, is the amount of contact. There’s a lot more limitations on how many groups of people are allowed together, and some places may not allow visitors altogether! The opportunities to serve may look different, but they are definitely still there; they just may require a little more creativity this year!

Here are some ways your family can serve this year while social distancing:

• Do a Facebook Live tutorial for one of your favorite recipes! Many younger adults and teens are still honing their cooking skills (and let’s be honest- even older adults!), and if you have a particular recipe you really shine with, this would be a great opportunity to “teach” your skill, while still social distancing!
• Donate to Toys for Tots. There are always toy drives going on. And you can certainly donate toys for needy children while social distancing!
• Go caroling! Knock on the door, and then step back 6 feet- you can keep your distance, but your neighbor will still be able to hear your Christmas cheer! This would be a great way to reach some of our elderly neighbors who may be feeling lonely this season.
• Shovel walks. Depending on where you live, there may be no shortage of opportunities to shovel walks for your neighbors! Always a happily accepted act of service, for sure!
• Doorbell ditch goodies. I don’t care how old you are- doorbell ditching fun gifts for others just never gets old! You might want to skip on the baked goods this year depending on if you live in a COVID hot spot, but there are still plenty of fun things you can deliver!
• Draw pictures or make cards for your local senior center. I bet it’s been a hard year for many of our elderly friends, and even a simple card is sure to brighten their day! Drop them off at the front and spread some Christmas cheer.
• Make homemade ornaments. These can really be an added treasure to someone’s tree. Our neighbor made beautiful paper angels for our tree one year, and I love having them on my tree- a beautiful reminder of her, and of her kindness. This is definitely a heartfelt and meaningful way to spread the Christmas spirit.
• Write uplifting chalk messages on your sidewalk. Everyone did this at the beginning of COVID, and it was so fun to see all the happy messages! If you have a sunny, dry day in December, take advantage and write something big and uplifting on your driveway so that all those that walk or drive past can be uplifted!
• Support a small business. This has been a hard year for many, financially. Purchasing something from a small, local business may not seem like much, but it means the world to them!
• Make or buy a bird feeder. Don’t forget about our feathery friends! An easy way to spread love- and beauty!
• Pay for the next car. Whether looking at a light show or going through the drive-thru, it can be so fun to make someone’s day by paying for them unexpectedly!

Service is such a great way to get in the Christmas spirit- and particularly this year, I think many people need it! I’d love to hear your ideas of how to serve during this unique time. Share your ideas with us in the comments below!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com