10 Best Things to Do Instead of Exchange Gifts This Holiday Season
Updated: Nov. 20, 2024
Tired of riding on the consumer carousel during the holiday season? Here are 10 things you can do instead.
Throw a winter barbecue
You can have it in a park, in the backyard or even in the driveway (which is conveniently located next to the shelter of the garage). Set up a grill and either a fire pit (if allowed) or an outdoor heater. Make sure your guests know it’s an outdoor barbecue so they can dress appropriately. And have plenty of hot beverages on hand.
These unhealthy holiday foods are definitely not worth the calories!
Visit a nursing home
There are many residents with few or no visitors and the holiday season can be an especially difficult time for them. Consider setting aside an hour every week or two to visit someone who would appreciate the company.
You can do these simple acts of kindness in two minutes or less.
Build something with a child
If you’ve got woodworking skills, build something from scratch. If not, buy unfinished wooden items at hobby stores and invite a young person to help assemble and decorate the item as a gift to a loved one or to be donated to charity.
Check out these creative ways to recycle Christmas trees.
Take a hike
Get outdoors and explore nature this holiday season. It’s a wonderful family activity that encourages children to get to know the natural world for themselves. Or go with a special someone or even by yourself. The main thing is to develop an appreciative eye for nature.
Feed the hungry
When you’re at the supermarket stocking up on holiday fare, start an additional bag of pantry items to donate to a local food bank. Many stores have receptacles right by the door during the holiday season.
Discover how to be more eco-friendly this season.
Volunteer
There are many worthy organizations that are struggling to find enough volunteers. Even if it’s just a one-time volunteer commitment, your help will be appreciated. Contact your local United Way of Canada, Salvation Army or similar organization to inquire where you or your family might volunteer this holiday season.
Have a game night
Take turns picking the game and have a good old-fashioned night (or afternoon!) of family fun. No kids? No problem. Game night works for adult friends and family, too. It’s a good way to catch up on each other’s lives in a relaxed atmosphere.
Follow these tips to enjoy the holidays with a blended family.
Host a potluck dinner
This is a great idea when you’re trying to bring together friends and family who might not have plans this holiday season (think bachelor uncles, widowed aunts, single friends, etc.). Make it a potluck if you think they’d like to contribute a dish of their own. Or, get all the supplies yourself and invite everyone to pitch in on the cooking and cleanup.
You’ll wish you knew these Christmas cookie baking hacks sooner!
Pot up some indoor colour
Buy plants like Christmas cactus and bulbs like amaryllis and paperwhites. Make up some colourful combinations (you can reuse old pots and baskets from thrift stores) and give them to friends, relatives or shut-ins during the holiday season.
These are the best air-cleaning plants, according to NASA.
Donate
The December holidays remind us of humanity’s desire for love and peace. When making end-of-year contributions to worthy causes, try to involve young children. It’s a good opportunity for them to think of others—not just what’s going to be under the Christmas tree for them. You might even start a communal fund that both adults and children contribute to throughout the year, then choose one or more charities to donate the money to.
Next, find out the best time to buy a Christmas tree in Canada.
