Throughout the years, our celebrations on Christmas Day will look different. But no matter our current family situations or circumstances, we can create meaningful holiday experiences by focusing on giving. Christmas is a time for giving, and there’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by serving others. This holiday season, focus on acts of kindness that create lasting memories. Whether through heartfelt connection, gratitude, or surprise gestures, these ideas can brighten someone’s day and share the spirit of Christmas.
Here are 20 thoughtful ways to make Christmas Day special for those around you:
1. Share the Gift of Your Full Presence
In a world full of distractions, one of the greatest gifts you can offer is your undivided attention. Whether you’re enjoying a game, catching up with a loved one, or spending time with a friend, prioritize truly listening and being present. Help them feel seen and valued. If holiday stress starts creeping in, shift your perspective by thinking about how your actions could create cherished memories for someone else.
2. Write a Thank-You Note to an Unsung Hero
Take a moment to recognize someone whose efforts often go unnoticed—a healthcare worker, teacher, mail carrier, or even a service worker you encounter regularly. Write a heartfelt thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their work and kindness. Pair your note with a small token of appreciation, like a treat or a simple gift, to make it extra special.
3. Serve as a “Secret Angel”
Spread joy anonymously by selecting a neighbor to surprise with thoughtful gestures. Write down ways they’ve brought light into your life on star-shaped paper and tape the notes to their door. For an extra festive touch, leave tea lights or star-themed treats like cookies, candies, or snacks.
Include an invitation encouraging them to pass on the kindness by decorating someone else’s porch before the New Year. You can share this poem as part of the surprise:
“Share the Light”
Thank you so much for shining your light!
Your unique talents came into our sight.
Now, we hope that you’ll take time to write
another whose gifts you’d like to highlight.
Together, we’ll share Christ’s love this year
by passing along light-filled, festive cheer.
4. Record a video message to send to a loved one.
Gather your family to film a Christmas song, testimonies, or words of love to share with someone who lives far away. You could even include others virtually and invite them to record messages, too.
5. Do a Christmas cleanout to find donations.
Get everyone together for an hour to clean out your kitchen pantry or cupboards and collect canned goods to donate. Check with your local food pantry or homeless shelter to confirm food guidelines and needs.
You could also pick a closet to sort through and select gently used clothing or toys to donate.
6. Share a taste of home with the missionaries.
For many young missionaries, this year will be their first or second Christmas away from their families. Consider inviting the missionaries over for treats and reaching out to their parents in advance to get their favorite recipes from home.
If the elders and sisters already have plans on Christmas Day, send them a heartfelt text thanking them for their service and asking how you can support them and the people they’re teaching.
7. Send a heartfelt email or letter.
Extend your love by reaching out to someone far from home this Christmas, such as a college student, missionary, military member, or incarcerated person. Make your note even more meaningful by sharing your favorite scripture or your testimony of the Savior.
8. Plan ahead with JustServe.org.
This website makes it easy to find local service projects and needs in your area (there are also remote opportunities available!). To find specific service needs, use the search filter under Projects to check if there are any opportunities on December 25.
9. Reach Out to a Ward Member in Need
Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply showing up for someone. Ask your bishop, Relief Society president, or elders quorum president if there’s a ward member who could use extra love or support. Whether it’s delivering a meal, offering a listening ear, or spending time together, your efforts can make Christmas feel a little less lonely for them.
10. Visit a Care Center, Hospital, or Homeless Shelter
Christmas can be a tough time for those away from family or in difficult circumstances. Pay a visit to a local care center, hospital, or homeless shelter to spread some holiday cheer. Bring along Christmas cards, flowers, or baked goods to share. You could even sing Christmas hymns together to lift spirits and create meaningful memories.
11. Bake a Christmas Treat to Give Away
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of homemade cookies or baked goods. Whip up a batch of holiday treats and share them with your neighbors, ministering brothers or sisters, or someone who could use a pick-me-up. A small act of kindness like this can go a long way.
12. Create a Festive Care Package
Send joy across the miles with a care package! Assemble themed boxes for missionaries, military members, or loved ones who are far from home. Include thoughtful items like Christmas snacks, small gifts, or heartfelt notes. For a post-Christmas surprise, you can time the package to arrive by New Year’s Day to keep the holiday spirit alive.
13. Text or Call Someone You Haven’t Spoken to Recently
Reconnect with someone who’s been on your mind but isn’t often in your day-to-day life. Send a thoughtful text or give them a quick call to let them know you’re thinking of them this Christmas. A simple message of kindness and love can make a world of difference.
14. Try a spontaneous act of service.
The Church’s Light the World website features a Kindness Randomizer that generates ideas for how, whom, and when to serve. Before you try it with your family, commit to keeping each other accountable and completing the service suggestions—no matter what you get!
15. Bring a Meal to a Family in Need
Surprise a family going through a tough time, such as new parents or someone facing challenges, with a home-cooked or pre-made meal. Choose dishes that are easy to store and reheat, giving them the flexibility to enjoy it when they need it most. This small gesture can ease their burden and show that they’re cared for.
16. Get in Touch with Local Organizations
Many local organizations need extra hands on Christmas Day. Reach out to your bishop’s storehouse, a soup kitchen, or other community groups to see if there are opportunities to serve. Whether it’s distributing food, helping with cleanup, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, your efforts can make a difference.
17. Beautify Your Neighborhood
Spread Christmas cheer by sprucing up your neighborhood. Depending on your climate, you could shovel snow, rake leaves, pick up litter, or even help a neighbor tidy their yard. Simple acts like these make your community a more welcoming and beautiful place to celebrate the season.
18. Offer to Babysit
Give parents in your family, ward, or neighborhood the gift of rest. Take their kids on a festive outing for a few hours, such as driving around to see Christmas lights, playing games, or organizing a holiday craft session. Your offer of time and attention could be exactly what they need to recharge after the busy holiday season.
19. Schedule a family service activity in the next two weeks.
Block off time on your family’s calendar for an end-of-year service activity. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Set up a temple trip.
- Plan an afternoon to volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Make an appointment to donate blood.
- Sign up to volunteer at your local food bank.
- Offer to help an elderly family member with miscellaneous chores, like replacing smoke alarm batteries in their home.
20. Focus on family history.
Add photos and memories to your FamilySearch account or continue to build out your family tree. You could also index names or help others with their research.
These small acts of service can brighten not just someone else’s Christmas but your own. By reaching out to those in your community, you’ll help make the season a little more magical for everyone involved.
