It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The snow is falling, parties to host, gifts to buy, and don’t forget to make time for giving back. The holiday season can be a stressful time, but as we reflect on the year, remember all that we have to be thankful for and the memories that are made. The holidays are a time for helping others and bringing joy and happiness to those around us. Do you remember a family tradition of serving Christmas dinner for those who have nowhere else to go? What about supplying hats and gloves on trees throughout the community? Maybe it’s as simple as receiving a card in the mail. There are many ways a person, family, or business can give back this time of year, it might even be as simple as buying a cup of coffee. It’s is the gift of kindness that will mean the most to those around you. If you are looking for new traditions to start, here are a few ideas from our staff:
I enjoy volunteering each December at the North Pole Carnival hosted by Active Generations. The hundreds of children that attend bring such excitement to the Christmas season. My husband and I also deliver poinsettias to older adults, many who are Meals on Wheels clients.
-Shelley Hanisch
My wife and I spend some time in the kitchen each December baking our favorite treats. When we’re done we package them up to share with our friends and family, including filling a holiday tin that I bring to our office. It’s nice to have a holiday tradition we can easily share with others.
-Jay Powell
Growing up, my mom used to always make my sister and I hot cocoa with whipped cream in a Christmas mug on snowy mornings before school. As simple as it seems, I love to get out those same Christmas mugs she used to serve us with, and enjoy a warm beverage on my couch while watching holiday movies. It’s funny how the little things can bring back so much nostalgia this time of year.
-Olivia Essig
Each December, I attend Harmony South Dakota’s winter concert. The concert usually includes a few traditional holiday songs. Hearing the holiday songs and seeing our community come together to support the students always makes me a little merrier.
-Christina Riss
I help organize our office’s Sharing Christmas purchases. It’s always fun to see how creative we can get, making sure to do a variety of essentials (new pillows and towels, check) and fun (toys and arts and crafts, check). And Christmas lights, my family always picks an evening to drive around and look at Christmas lights, it’s not Christmas until we get a lot bit of family time.
-Britni Ridge
I love taking my girls to pick out toys to donate to children through Volunteers of America, Dakotas and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire. My girls are young, so it’s an easy way to instill in them the idea that holidays aren’t just for receiving presents from the big guy in red, but also a time for them to experience the joy in giving.
-Brandi Miller
Each winter, my youngest son Braylon and I go through the toys in his bedroom. He decides which ones he no longer likes or plays with. We then pick a day to gather them all up and take them to the Ronald McDonald House. We are fortunate enough that we have never had to utilize their services but we have family members who have. Braylon loves that his old toys are being put to good use and I love that he is getting an early start on learning the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season.
-Heather Viergutz-McDonald
Over the past several years I have enjoyed giving back throughout the month of December from donating items to giving my time. The holiday season comes full circle for us when we enjoy an evening out looking at lights followed by dessert! We are fortunate to have Winter Wonderland so close. Growing up we would drive over an hour to see well known neighborhoods, always a fun family adventure. And it isn't complete until there are lights around the farm, there is something about coming home for Christmas welcomed by the bright and colorful lights. It’s the simplest things that make the holidays even more special.
-Annie Wold
However, you celebrate the holdiays, may you create long lasting memories and traditions that will continue to bring you and your family happiness and joy.
Happy Holidays from your Sioux Empire United Way.