It's not just the gadgets and toys under the tree that will have a big impact this holiday season. We've got ten ways to spread some cheer around East Texas, and none of them will break the bank. 

There's nothing I love more than surprising somebody with something small and nice that they weren't expecting.

Last Christmas I walked around random shopping areas with a few small gift cards in my purse, and I passed them out to random people in checkout lines.  It was so much fun!  Some of those unsuspecting folks looked at me like I had lost my mind, but it made me happy and they didn't refuse.

We've got ten more ways to spread some cheer around East Texas this holiday season.  People will get stressed out and edgy running around to office parties, the mall, work, and Christmas performances, and they might need a reminder that this is supposed to be a fun season and that our area is full of good neighbors, like you.

Ten Ways To Make Someone's Day This Holiday Season

(Inspired by Parade Magazine, with my ideas too)

1.  Pay the coffee bill for the person in line behind you.

2.  Donate to a local charity that you believe in.

3.  Take hot chocolate to the crossing guard outside your child's school.

4.  Volunteer at an animal shelter, church, or with a local non-profit

5.  Shop using AmazonSmile, which donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

6.  Send a grocery gift card anonymously through the mail to someone that needs it.

7.  Offer to watch a single mom's kids so she can get a massage.  Pay for the massage.

8.  Buy a bunch of printer paper and donate it to teachers you know.  They're always running out of that, and highlighters.

9.  Send a friend or coworker a Venmo surprise to say, “Lunch is on me!”

10.   Participate in a coat drive like PATH's Coats for Kids.

It's so much fun to watch someone's face light up when they get happy, and it's especially rewarding when it's because of something simple.  The giver might even get more out of all this than the receiver does, who knows.  It's good for all of us.

If you have other ideas, let me know!  I'll post them throughout the holiday season, and no one in East Texas will have the opportunity to be a grump or a scrooge this year.  The cheer will be overflowing and there will be no room for anything but high fives and peppermints.  Happy holidays.

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