This really is the season to be jolly! The weather’s so much nicer (especially if you’re in the Indian/ Dubai part of the world), everyone has a few days off (except Mommies, who are on call 24x7x365). Everywhere you go, you find decked up Christmas trees and other decorations. With many events, you also get to play dress up, and have a legit reason to shop and EAT to your heart’s content! While all this is very enjoyable, Christmas is also about giving and being generous. So with that in mind, we have here five easy ways to do Christmas, the non-materialistic way.

5 Ways to Spread Some Christmas Cheer

1. Host a holiday garage sale

All of us have so much junk, it wouldn’t hurt to give some of it away. Now you don’t have to empty out every closet, but a friendly, neighborhood sale can go a long way in getting rid of your excess baggage (quite literally too!). Print some simple pamphlets, set out your tables on a nice day, and arrange all your extra toys, cutlery, belts and other knick-knacks that you’ve hoarded over the years. Giving away all that stuff can feel so therapeutic! If you’re not up for a garage sale, just donate your old stuff to a charity or even to your domestic help. Either way – just GIVE!

2. Spend the day or an afternoon with underprivileged kids

There’s no better feeling then spending time with little, innocent children and especially those who don’t have all the luxuries we take for granted. Giving them toys, or teaching them to cook something simple is an easy way to give back to the Universe. So go sign up with your nearby orphanage. Trust me, it’s a feeling that’ll last a lot longer than an afternoon spent doing nothing!

3. Cook with your family for your family and friends

Instead of eating at a fancy restaurant, spend the afternoon cooking or baking with your family and then enjoy the meal together! I love cooking, and find that it totally relaxes me, and you should try it too! It doesn’t have to be really elaborate, just a simple pasta and soup; but the pleasure you feel when you see your loved ones enjoying what you cooked with so much love? Priceless! (Sorry, didn’t mean to sound like a MasterCard advert there!)

4. Rekindle an old bond

Any friend of family member you’ve lost touch with? Anyone you’d like to talk to? Use the holiday time to re-connect with them! Call, PM or Whatsapp and set up a date. Spend an afternoon or evening getting to know them all over again (and not just off Instagram!). Catch up on recent events in each others lives and let them know that this has been a very special experience for you!

5. Bake cookies and send them to loved ones, and even strangers!

Spend a day baking cookies or brownies- whatever’s easier for you, pack them beautifully and send them off to your friends and family. If you have kids old enough to help, be sure to involve them in the process too, not just so that you have an extra pair of hands, but to create some memories too. Christmas was never sweeter!

If you’re like me, you’re probably excited to do all of them at once! But it’s best to first pick one, do that, and see how much time left for another. Or else, split these up among various family members and let everyone get a chance to spread some Christmas cheer. So here’s wishing you all Happy Holidays!