5 Fun Holiday Activities that Give Back

Throughout the year, there are holidays that bring people together. For the community organizations, churches, nonprofits, and other groups that seek to build community around these important days, an extra set of hands is always welcome!

If you're looking for some out-of-the-box ways to have fun while helping others during the holidays, here's a list of opportunities you can mix and match all year long.

Volunteer to put up decorations

Do holiday lights bring you instantaneous joy? Do flyers for halloween trunk or treats at your local religious organization put a pep in your step? You can share that joy to bring pizzazz to a local charity or community center by lending a hand with set-up, organizing an activity, and clean-up.

Reach out to local organizations and charities to see if they have a volunteer decorating committee you can join. Do you live near an elderly neighbor or a person with disabilities who lives independently? Offer to help them with their decorating, such as by putting up decorations and helping to take them down after the holidays. 

Help wrap gifts for others

Receiving a beautifully wrapped gift can make a person feel extra special—the intentionality that goes into presenting a nicely wrapped gift can demonstrate the gifter’s love and care for the giftee. If you have a knack for expertly-tied ribbons and sharply-wrapped corners, consider volunteering to wrap gifts at a local charity.

Some organizations host one-day gift-wrapping events or may ask for additional help sorting and distributing the wrapped gifts. You can also organize your own gift-wrapping event to bring your community together during the holidays.

Craft or knit winter items

Many popular holidays—Christmas, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year—take place during the winter in the United States. If you have a talent for sewing, crocheting, or knitting items such as snug hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, or blankets, bring the gift of warmth to someone in your area to celebrate these important dates in your calendar.

Reach out to local charities to inquire if they are in need of knitted winter items for families or individuals in need. Some organizations seek volunteers to craft selected seasonal items or may have ongoing knitting groups throughout the year. You can also form your own group of fellow knitters or crocheters to join you!

Serve a warm meal

Throughout the year, nonprofits and community organizations seek volunteers to serve meals or donate non-perishable food items to families in need. When you're feeling the holiday spirit and want to share it with others, gather friends and family to join you in serving a hot meal to families in your area.

Look for local opportunities and agree on a day and time when everyone can participate. Want to donate food instead? Host a food drive in your neighborhood or donate food items individually. Be sure to contact the local food bank or organization of your choice to inquire about their donation process and to see what nonperishable food items they need.

Make some homemade cards

Another creative activity is card-making. Joyful homemade cards can bring a smile to many faces, especially people in your area who may be alone for the holidays.

Making a homemade holiday card can be as simple or elaborate as you like! Feel free to use supplies such as construction paper, card stock, markers, crayons, pipe cleaners, or glitter. Some organizations seek volunteers during to make holiday cards for the individuals and families they serve, with card recipients ranging from troops serving overseas to hospice patients.

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Check out other great tips for inspiring community action in our Recipes for Action blog, such as how to host a holiday sock drive.