9 Ways to Give More & Spend Less This Holiday Season

”It’s better to give than to receive.”

Sure, our parents used to tell us this when we were small – but at that age and at this time of year, many of us remained unconvinced.

Now that we’re all grown up, science has uncovered why it’s actually true: Doing something kind for someone else sends those ‘feel good’ hormones to our brain, giving our mental health a nice little boost.

So whether you want to give to those in need, to your circle of friends – or both – read on for some great ideas that don’t require a whole lot of spending. Another reason to feel good!

1. Declutter and donate.

Whether you’re the parent of a growing child or a collector of scarves and mittens, it shouldn’t be too hard to find extra cozy winter clothing to donate to someone who may not have a warm place to come home to each night. So grab a bag and start rifling through those closets.

2. Do things differently.

Let friends and family know that you’d rather they donate to your favourite charity than get you a gift this year. This will help avoid more clutter and will take the pressure off if you’ve been meaning to donate to a worthy organization but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

3. Spend time, not money.

Volunteer at a retirement home to provide company to elderly folks who may otherwise be alone during the holidays – if you’re healthy and up to date with your vaccinations, of course. Bring a deck of cards, a board game, or a unique conversation starter to break the ice.

4. Turn your passion into fashion… or poetry… or art.

You get the picture! Try DIY-ing your presents this year and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. Think homemade scarves, baked goods, or pieces of art. If it’s the thought that counts, this could be the most thoughtful gift you’ll ever give.

5. Let your credit card pay – literally.

We’re not talking about something you’ll owe, with interest, later. We’re talking about all those points you’ve accumulated thanks to all those purchases you’ve made over the years. You might just have enough to buy the bulk of your presents this year… without a big credit card bill to haunt you in the New Year. Even better, look into donating those extra points to the charity of your choice.

6. Sharing is caring.

… especially when it comes to all those non-perishables in your pantry. Think about it: Does anyone ever get around to eating their entire collection of canned foods? Unlikely. With that in mind, we recommend donating a nice selection to help a local charity feed those less fortunate this Christmas.

7. Break bread – not the bank.

Consider hosting a potluck dinner over the holidays, rather than taking on the bulk of the work (and the cost) yourself. Not only will it make for a more relaxing evening for you, it also means you won’t have the added expense of all those extra mouths to feed.

8. Teach your children why it’s better to give.

… then have them act on it. This can be as simple as going through old toys together and having them choose a few that they’d be happy to give to a less fortunate boy or girl – or as elaborate as having them perform one act of kindness a day.

9. Donate your life insurance to charity.

Yes, you can do that. Because this can be a bit more complicated, we recommend speaking with an advisor at Serenia Life before moving forward with this generous option. But first, learn more in the article: Donating Life Insurance Benefits.

For more ideas, check out the 12 Days of Kindness Challenge Serenia Life ran in 2022 – to help spread some cheer in our community over the holidays.