I know that many of you have been out and about getting your Christmas list done and shopping for loved ones. I have really tried to simplify my Christmas shopping this year and did most of it on Amazon this year so that I could be home with the children more (it also didn't hurt that they had free two day shipping either using Amazon Prime) it has been such a blessing and I have been able to rest more than I normally would during the holidays!
I still have had to hit the stores though since I have children who wanted to do their shopping in a real store. It has been fun to spend time with them and still be a part of the Christmas bustle.
One thing I like to do is teach my children lessons when we are out, especially during the holiday season of how they can be a blessing to others and not lost the true spirit of Christmas in the midst of all the buying.
So here are a few ways to spread some Christmas charity and cheer while you are out and about:
1. Pray for those in the store - everyone needs Jesus. Life is short so pray for their salvation. It is the best gift you can give a stranger!
2. Let people in line go ahead of you - see that stressed mom with the baby crying? Yes, let her go first. Or that guy with 2 items when you have 50? Him too. Why? Just because it is good to be kind.
3. Say a kind word to the cashier, store worker and store manager - Just yesterday I was at Best Buy and this young guy spent a lot of time helping us. I asked the guy who checked me out to tell the manager how I received excellent service by this person. He ended up announcing it to the managers and all the workers on the mic immediately. I hope that blessed his day in some small way!
4. Give away a discount with a coupon - sometimes when you are in a store you might have an extra coupon. Give that coupon to the next person in line or the mom with little children. I have been blessed many times buy people who have shared in this way. I also like to let people know if there are sales coupons online by using apps like Retail Me Not.
5. Tip the bagger or waitress generously - where we live there are still baggers that carry out your bags that you can tip if you want to. Since many of them only make minimum wage this is a quick and easy way to bless them buy surprising them with a bigger tip than they would normally get. This also goes tipping waitresses in restaurants!
6. Do you see the bell ringer? Yes, that Salvation Army volunteer who has been standing out in the cold opening the door for you? Don't forget to donate and how about bringing them a cup of hot coffee or cocoa to keep them warm? I have seen many people do this and think it is a wonderful way to remember to help them during the holiday season. You could even gift them with a gift card or whatever else the Lord puts on your heart.
7. Pay for someone - I recently read an article about 640 people buying others drinks in a "pay it forward" effort to bless people who order behind them. They have also done this at McDonalds and other restaurants too. What a great way to spread some Christmas cheer. Or you could also give out $5 or $10 giftcards to places like these.
8. Keep your eyes peeled and be generous - many stores have places where you can donate a bag of food, toys, mittens, jackets, and money to senior citizens and children. Pray about where God would want you to help. Have your children help donate to these causes so they can learn to bless others too.
I hope this post will inspire you to share some of Christ's love and charity to others while you are out and about!
**WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU**
What ways do you bless other while you are out shopping?
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10 comments:
I read an idea last year that I would like to try to add to our Christmas Season here. And that was to order a pizza for delivery and give the driver $20 tip (more if you can afford). Those delivery people are often underpaid too.
This is a wonderful list. We practice a lot of these things anytime we go out. But I love the idea of bringing coffee or hot chocolate to the bell ringer. What an excellent idea. I have to grocery shop in the AM and that will be on my list to do. Thanks for sharing. :) Blessings!
These are some super ideas. It's neat that some just come naturally to friendly people!
Hello Mrs. June Fuentes. I am so blessed to know you through your profile and the blog post. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you because of who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India and love to get connected with the people of God around the world to be encouraged, strengthen and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 36yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. Since you have so much to give to the women in the body of Christ, we would love to have you come and conduct some Seminars on Building strong Homes. I am sure it will be a very rewarding time for you as well as for the women in the Body of Christ. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyous Christmas season and a bright, prosperous and Christ centered New year.
What a great idea, Denise! Thanks for sharing. I heard of a church who gave away nearly $2000 to a single mom who delivered pizza to their church. She had just lost her home so I think she was going to rent an apartment with it. Here is the link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/single-mom-pizza-delivery-driver-tip-lifetime-35693719
So excited to hear that, Mrs. Chrissy! I visited your blog and have it open in my tabs right now. I am looking forward to looking around! :)
Yes, I noticed that too. I went into a dollar store the other day and there were only two cashiers and the lines went to the back of the store. The cashiers were so stressed and everyone who was in line kept telling them what a good job they were doing and that they were going to pray for them (they said it sincerely not sarcastically). It was so nice to witness people not attacking and getting angry or impatient. Such a impact that even just kind words can make.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I love your blog. I quit blogging for a while but I am back at it and I am so glad I found your blog again. :)
My youngest and I are heading out to do some shopping tonight. I do believe we'll be bringing a hot chocolate to the bell ringer tonight. Such a wonderful idea. <3
Love these reminders of what Christmas is all about; Blessings!
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