Giving makes us feel good. Science supports this.
In one study, a team from universities in the U.S., Switzerland and Germany scanned people’s brains to learn about the relationship between generosity and happiness. Their work suggests that when we give — money, a gift, our time — interaction increases in the parts of our brain tied to pleasure and sociality.
That’s not all. There’s also a cool quirk to giving and happiness: You don’t have to give much. The straightforward act of giving imparts what researchers call a “warm glow,” and giving more doesn’t necessarily make you feel better.
Aren’t sure what to offer the world? Here are 15 ways to give back and get your glow on this season.
If you’re agile
Hang holiday lights and outdoor decorations for someone who can’t. Be warned that helping a stern or exacting director will make your charity feel hard-earned. No matter. Your work setting the holiday stage for them puts you on the right foot for the season: broad in spirit and steady in patience. And if you’re hanging twinkle lights without input, the activity will feel some combination of challenging, meditative and fun.
If you have a car and like driving
Drive around to help community collection or distribution of toys, food or other goods. Meals on Wheels is a good standby.
If you like crafts
Wrap gifts for a holiday drive or toy drive. If you do on-site wrapping you might make new friends and get to socialize (alternatively, you can keep to yourself if you prefer).
If you’re a good listener
Be fully present and listen to someone. We’re distracted so often that being fully engaged in what someone says has become rare. When a person you don’t know or wouldn’t normally be concerned with unloads a deep story, actively lend your ear. They probably don’t have anyone who’ll listen if they’re choosing to share it with a stranger.
If you like being outside in cold weather
Shoveling your own walk or driveway might be all you can manage. But if you’re on a roll or physically fit, offer to do it for someone who’d have a rough go otherwise.
If you want a workout
Rake leaves (no noisy blowers please!) for someone. If you live somewhere that’s perennially warm, mow their lawn instead.
If you enjoy the wisdom of elders
Spend time with residents at a nursing home or assisted living center. Different elders will have different needs and abilities, so be accommodating. Options include reading, playing games, talking and listening (there’s that gem again). Ask them questions about their life. You’re bound to learn something, and they will appreciate your presence.
If you love surprises
Delight someone unexpectedly. Pay for the next person in line’s meal, coffee or parking fee.
If you care about democracy and want your community to thrive
Subscribe to your local newspaper. You’ll get a product, but you’ll still be giving because so many local news outlets (read: newspapers) have become threadbare and need the financial support that came easily before the internet took over. You also can donate to a local news nonprofit or public media, which the federal government recently defunded but so many remote communities rely on for critical information. Some outlets might have agreements with funding organizations to match or even triple your donation during the holiday season.
If you want to potentially save someone’s life
Give blood. Someone needs it to stay alive.
If you like shopping
Many people won’t have their basic needs met this holiday season. Donating food is one way to help them. Lots of businesses have collection boxes on-site where you can drop off goods. You also can call your local food bank or food pantry to see what they need, specifically. And let’s not forget toys, the holiday season staple. A quick online search should reveal collection sites local to you. Many businesses have toy collection bins near their doors, as well.
If environmental preservation is important to you
Donate money to environmental causes — and consider doing it in someone’s name as a gift to them, a two-for-one deal.
If you love your community
Support local businesses. Shop at locally owned stores to support your community’s economy. Bonus: You’ll probably find more novel things at these spots than you would at chain stores.
If you’ve got time to spare
Volunteer at local organizations that need extra help during the holidays. Heck, they might need extra help all the time. Think animal shelters, Red Cross, environmental groups, after-school programs and your town’s outdoor or rec department (they often need helping signing people in for events).
If you’re short on time but long on cash
Turn to the most reliable donation practice, and give some of your money to an organization that you think deserves it.
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