Sparkling Ideas for Delivering Holiday Cheer

"It’s the most wonderful time of year" for some, filled with anticipation and excitement. And, it’s the most difficult time of the year for others who are barely putting one foot in front of the other due to illness or sadness. Now’s your chance to bring some holiday cheer to someone who could use a “leg up” during the season. So, try some of these festive ideas to make the days a little easier.

• Shop for someone who can’t. Illness does not take a holiday break. Even if people are under the weather and don’t have the strength to get out, they still may want to get presents for loved ones. So, offer to go get things on their shopping list or help them to shop online.
• Come as Santa to the hospital or home. Imagine the smiles you’ll make with the sounds of jingle bells and the sight of the big fella’ in red with rosy cheeks and a white beard. Be sure to check first with the hospital or with family members so Santa arrives at a time that will work out best for everyone.
• Decorate the house. Twinkling lights, familiar ornaments, and favorite holiday decorations can lift spirits and bring back happy memories. Offer to find those boxes of decorations, pull them out, and spruce up the house. Assure the family that you will come back right after the holiday to take down the decorations and put everything away.
• Deliver a cookie decorating party! Nothing fills the house like the festive aromas of cookies and hot apple cider. YUM! So, bring the ingredients, the baking utensils, some holiday music, and your camera, and get ready for a fun time together. This is a perfect "pick-me-up" for someone who might not have the energy to mix and bake the cookies, but could still sit and decorate a few of them. Don’t forget to clean up the mess!
• Invite the kids over to bake. Give exhausted or sick parents a few hours of peace and quiet by inviting their children over to your home to bake and decorate cookies. Remember to take pictures so the parents can see their kids in action.
• Take the kids shopping. When parents are sick or struggling, the kids may not have a way to get to the store to purchase presents for family. Maybe you could offer to take the kids shopping.
• Help the kids make presents for family members. The Internet is loaded with craft ideas! And, don’t think that this is just for little ones. The web and computer apps like Pinterest have some great gift ideas even teens would love to make and give.
• Create and deliver a memorable movie night. Loan your favorite Christmas videos and send along some packets of popcorn, hot chocolate, and marshmallows.
• Be a Secret Pal! Make it a family project or get some neighbors involved! Wrap up inexpensive gifts or some yummy treats and then secretly deliver one package each day to the front door. Run away before they catch you!

So this holiday season, bring some sparkle to someone’s life. The bit of time you spend will leave some needed moments of happiness behind. And, after all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?