“Hello and welcome back! You are listening to Find Your Kind the podcast with your host Delaney Janks. You’re currently listening to this podcast on the Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network where students come together to publish content to share with the world. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode are mine, and mine alone. In this episode, “Everyday Should Be Like Christmas”, I’ll be talking about how Christmas isn’t only about receiving gifts, it’s about giving back not only to your loved ones, but also to those who need it most.

1. The holidays are upon us…but do we get too wrapped up in receiving gifts?
2. Starting new traditions that put others first
3. The holidays are also about sharing, and spreading joy not just for your family, but for others too
4. Let’s work on moderating our wants, being thankful for what we have, and giving to others this holiday season

1. Implementing meaningful Christmas traditions that focus on making a difference in the lives of others in need
2. Simple and easy ideas to brighten others holiday:
3. Leave a gift for your mail carrier
4. Put a small gift in your mailbox with a thank you note for all that they do!
5. Write thank you notes to the people who go all out to decorate their homes for the holidays
6. Shovel snow for a neighbor
7. Buying locally—from family-owned businesses or freelancers
8. Try “candy cane bombing” a parking lot where you go around sticking candy canes with a note wrapped around them on car windshield for people to discover
9. Things to do for others that might take a bit more time:
10. Fill a box for Operation Christmas Child
11. Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on opportunity to select gifts for a child, pack them in a box, and send the box to a child whose life will be touched by your kindness
12. Downloading a coloring sheet from the website Color a Smile