November 28, 2023
Let’s start off with a big fact: Holiday giving isn’t all about the Benjamins. There are many ways to give, each with its own benefit to the giver and the recipient.
Giving is a built-in element of this bustling time of year, which nowadays begins as soon as the last crumbling jack–o-lantern is discarded. Come November 1, you’re on a fast track to all things holiday: travel plans, parties, decor, recipes, wish lists, the list goes on. Amid all of this is the harsh reality that many individuals and families aren’t fortunate enough to experience the kind of holiday magic you have. It opens up an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.
The true spirit of giving
The holiday season is a time when the spirit of giving comes to the forefront. It’s an opportunity to share kindness and hope during a time when economic differences come into stark contrast. The need is not only holiday focused, as in barriers to providing gifts for children: For many people, the holiday season heightens the hardships they face all year long in regard to income and provision.
When you think about charitable giving this holiday season, keep in mind the difference it makes:
Spreading joy: The simple act of giving gifts or meals to those who wouldn’t otherwise have those things can lift them up during a particularly hard time and help them create memories with their loved ones.
Strengthening communities: When people come together to support a cause or help those in need, it deepens connection among neighbors.
Teaching compassion: Giving back and helping others builds a capacity for understanding life from a new perspective.
Alleviating loneliness: Many individuals, especially the elderly, may feel lonely and isolated during the holidays. Giving can provide companionship and a sense of belonging.
Setting an example: For children, coworkers, family, and friends, your giving can be the beginning step in their giving journey.
Making a difference on Giving Tuesday
It’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of holiday shopping sprees and the buzz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To counterbalance the emphasis on buying, there’s a day that helps us embrace the true spirit of the season: Giving Tuesday.
Celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is not only a day, it’s a movement that urges us to shift our focus from the material to the meaningful. It serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos of consumerism, there is profound joy in giving back to our communities.
Ways to participate in Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is the perfect way to kick off a holiday season with a focus on humanity. Throughout the year, you might wonder how you can give back; Giving Tuesday is a built-in reminder to do just that. And why not start right in your own community? Giving locally means you’re making a direct impact on your neighbors in need.
When it comes to charitable giving, the first thing most people think of is money. While monetary donations are a wonderful way to help, there are myriad ways to get involved without contributing financially, with the added benefit of making the experience more personal.
- Giving nonperishable items to a food bank.
- Serving at a soup kitchen.
- Participating in a neighborhood cleanup.
- Volunteering at a local animal shelter or charitable thrift store.
- Donating clothing to a career closet.
As an active participant in your community, you support not only those in need but also the organizations that work to improve lives year round. Nonprofits play a pivotal role in driving positive change, and Giving Tuesday provides a platform for these organizations to amplify their impact. Donors and volunteers alike can discover and support causes close to their hearts, empowering nonprofits to continue their invaluable work.
The ripple effect of kindness
Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Your generosity creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial gesture. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or acts of kindness, your effort puts the spirit of giving into motion. It inspires others to do the same and encourages a perception of paying it forward as not just a one-day event but a way of life. On this Giving Tuesday, take a moment to reflect on what you can share with your community. And remember—no amount of time is too little and no extension of kindness too small.
The Joy of Generosity is a three-part series that takes a deep dive into an impactful aspect of your financial wellness. If you need guidance on your giving journey or want to learn how to incorporate charitable giving into your financial picture, we invite you to take our course The Joy of Generosity on the Sqwire Financial Wellness platform. If you don’t have an account with Sqwire, ask your employer about adding Sqwire Financial Wellness as an employee benefit.