6 Ways to Brighten Someone Else's Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! If you celebrate Christmas, then chances are you’re spending today wrapped in a warm blanket, curled up by the fire and sipping hot chocolate with loved ones. You may have spent the last weekend ice skating, baking cookies or opening up a present or two. But, what have you done for someone else this Christmas?

While the holiday season is a joyful time for many, it can also be a difficult time for others. If you live an altruistic lifestyle, you can give back and make someone’s holiday a bit more joyful. Here are six ways you can brighten someone else’s Christmas.

1. Call your loved ones.
One simple way to brighten another’s Christmas is by calling. Some of your loved ones might live far away, have different plans or not be able to see you during the holiday season. Particularly for older family with limited mobility, this can be difficult. However, you can brighten their day by simply giving them a call and checking in. A few quick words of encouragement and affirmation can make a world of difference this Christmas.

2. Make Christmas dinner.
Food is always the perfect way into someone’s heart, especially through Christmas dinner. You can spread the love and brighten someone’s day this Christmas by making a little bit extra of dinner to share. For people who may not be able to cook for themselves or can’t afford to buy the ingredients, this can truly be the greatest gift of all.

3. Invite someone over.
It’s often been said that the holidays are the loneliest time of the year. Unfortunately, lots of people find themselves alone during Christmas for a variety of reasons. Instead, bring extra joy this year by inviting someone into your home. Share food, time and conversation with them to show how much they are loved and valued this holiday season.

4. Donate a gift.
Many individuals, families and children cannot afford gifts during the Christmas season. If you find yourself with a little bit of extra income, time or gifts this week, consider donating extra presents to a family in need. Whether you give gently-used goods, or buy a brand new toy off the shelf, you can definitely brighten someone else’s day—particularly a child’s.

5. Volunteer in the morning.
We get it: Christmas is a time to spend with your loved ones, which makes volunteering a tough request. But, why not consider volunteering Christmas morning? After you open presents with family, create a new tradition by volunteering at your local shelter or nonprofit organization. A simple hour or two of your time can have a huge impact on someone’s day. Afterwards, you will still have plenty of Christmas left to spend together eating, talking and celebrating. 

6. Have a conversation.
Ultimately, one of the most valuable gifts you can give this Christmas season is your time. Have a deep, intimate conversation with a loved one, neighbor or even a complete stranger, to share in the spirit of the season. While some people might feel alone or hurt during the holidays, you can share joy by listening to their stories and speaking affirmation into their lives.

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend together with family, friends and loved ones. However, it’s also an opportunity to give back. If you want to brighten someone else’s Christmas this year, keep these tips in mind to spread the holiday cheer.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Common Questions About Habitat for Humanity

You may have heard of Habitat for Humanity, but how much do you really know about us?  Watauga County Habitat is one of over 1700 affiliates across the world.  Habitat for Humanity can be found in all 50 states and located in 70 countries worldwide.

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most.

Are Habitat for Humanity houses free?

No. Families who are in need of decent, affordable housing apply locally to Habitat for Humanity for homeownership. Their ability to repay an affordable mortgage (zero-interest loan), as well as their level of housing need and willingness to partner with Habitat, are among the selection criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

Future homeowners receive financial education and complete 250 hours of sweat equity working alongside volunteers. Sweat equity can take the form of building their own and other Habitat homes, providing retail assistance at a local Habitat ReStore, or performing important tasks at their local Habitat office.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Habitat homeowner.

Did former U.S. President Jimmy Carter start Habitat for Humanity?

While President and Mrs. Carter are Habitat’s most famous volunteers and have worked tirelessly since 1984 to help families build houses and to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing, Habitat was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976.

The idea that became Habitat for Humanity first grew from the fertile soil of Koinonia Farm, a community farm outside of Americus, Georgia, founded by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. There in the early ’70s, Jordan and the Fullers developed “partnership housing.” The idea centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses at no profit. To build more homes, new homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising.

In 1973, the Fullers took the concept to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, and launched a successful house-building program. After three years, they returned to the United States and founded Habitat for Humanity International.

Learn more about Habitat’s history.

Does Habitat for Humanity only build locally?

Habitat builds in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. We also work in more than 70 countries worldwide. Learn more about all of the places where we work.

Can only Christians apply for Habitat homes? Can only Christians volunteer and work with Habitat?

Habitat is a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. While our mission is inspired by Christian teachings, all who desire to be a part of our work are welcome — without regard to religious preference or background.

Do I have to have construction skills to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?

We welcome people with any skill level to volunteer with us on the build site, even beginners. On-site construction leaders train volunteers in all aspects of building. You do have to be at least 16 years old to work on a Habitat construction site.

You can also volunteer and participate in a variety of other ways, from becoming an advocate to helping out in one of our ReStores. Check out all of the ways you can support Habitat’s work.

Does Habitat need donations?

Yes, Habitat for Humanity needs donations to advance our work, and we appreciate your financial support.

Thanks to the support of people like you we are able to help people create strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. It will take all of us doing whatever we can to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat Happenings Around the USA

Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter are just some of the people coming together to build a home for Habitat for Humanity.

Check out this video of famous Habitat volunteers coming together to help build a place a family can call home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEepWOXBUU









https://www.habitat.org/newsroom/2018/photos-major-stars-lend-their-hands-habitat-building-alongside-president-carter-and