Celebrate the Real Meaning of the Holidays

Giving back to others is the best part of the holidays. From volunteering as a family to making a meal together for a neighbor, Atwell families have lots of ways to celebrate the real meaning of the holidays. Here are a few ways to show kindness and share the holiday spirit this season.

Front-door surprise deliveries

Who doesn’t love a surprise, especially when it involves fresh-baked pastries? Start your Atwell friends’ holiday mornings off right, with a “ring and run” front-door drop-off of homemade bread or sweet rolls. The kids will love racing to and from each door, while the adults drive the getaway car!

Help gather food

Food pantries need donations and volunteers year-round, but especially during the holiday season. You can make a difference in someone’s holidays by donating food, or helping at a food pantry. Instead of going it alone, consider inviting Atwell friends to bring canned goods to your holiday get-together. Or, organize a group volunteer day at one of the local food nonprofits. Choose from one of the many Riverside County food pantries within easy access to Atwell.

Brighten a senior’s day

The holidays can be lonely for the elderly, who may not have family living nearby. Small acts of kindness can take little effort, but bring great joy. Get the kids into the act by creating and hand-delivering handmade holiday cards or door decorations for nursing home residents. Coordinate with senior centers to read a favorite holiday story to residents, or grab some Atwell neighbors for an old-fashioned holiday sing-along at one of the nearby senior centers. Don’t worry if you are a bit off-key! Research shows that all types of music can be especially impactful for those with memory impairment.Write thank-you notes

And, not just for gifts. Have the whole family make a list of people who have made a positive impact on them this year, and whose value may often go unrecognized. Some ideas could be the mail carrier, trash collectors, your child’s Scout leader, store cashiers, the Atwell neighbor who picks up your deliveries when you are traveling – you get the idea. Purchase or make cards, and add personal, heartfelt words of thanks. Sharing gratitude brings joy to both the giver and the receiver, and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Looking for a new home community of caring neighbors? Contact a New Home Specialist at (951) 458-6155 today.