Black Friday is behind us and tomorrow is Cyber Monday. Everywhere you turn, the pressure is on to spend money. Today’s Simple Living Sunday post is about casting aside the commercialism and focusing on a more important day—Giving Tuesday. There are many who need help and many ways to give.

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white.

Bing Crosby

Three simple pleasures and highlights

Continuing my practice of celebrating the simple things in life, here are three simple pleasures and highlights of the last week.

• I always find November to be a dark and dreary month, so I was delighted to be treated to a beautiful sunrise on Wednesday morning while walking to my dentist appointment. It was cool outside—but a perfect morning for a brisk walk.
• This week, I got back to my workouts after a few lazy weeks recovering from COVID and then dental surgery. It felt good to move again.
• On Friday night, I had a wonderful video chat with two fellow writers, Eric (The Thoughtful Beggar) and Scott (Monty’s Blahg). The blogging community is a welcoming and supportive place but, in over three years of blogging, this was the first time I’d had a live conversation with anyone I’ve met here. They will be publishing the video on YouTube. I’ll keep you posted and share a link when it’s available.

This week’s simple living focus: How will you help on Giving Tuesday?

It has been a difficult year for many. Between record inflation, high interest rates, and the looming threat of a recession, many are struggling to make ends meet.

A recent poll by Food Banks Canada reported that food bank use is up 35% since 2019, and almost half of Canadians are buying less food or lower quality food to make ends meet in this time of rising prices. And news reports from the United States indicates similar concerns there as well. In fact, the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises paints a grim picture of food insecurity around the world.

In an earlier Simple Living Sunday post, I wrote about charity and how it’s in all of us to give of our time, talent or treasure. It felt appropriate to revisit this theme of giving and generosity as Giving Tuesday approaches.

About Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012. It’s a day to unleash the power of generosity and encourage people to do good in their communities. Over 80 countries have joined the movement. In Canada alone, $43 Million was donated online on Giving Tuesday in 2021.

With the holiday season upon us, the need is magnified for many families. If you are able to help financially, please do so. It can make a big difference in someone’s life. If you can’t make a financial donation, consider giving in some other way.

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Three things to do this week

As I wrote in Simple Living Sunday – Will you give time, talent or treasure?, there’s more than one way to give. Here are three ways you can make a difference.

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.

Charles M. Schulz

Donate to a cause in your community

There are so many causes that need help this time of year. In fact, there are 86,000 registered charities in Canada alone. Check out CanadaHelps.org to find a cause close to your heart. (In other countries, visit GivingTuesday.org to find a link to your country’s site.)

To help out in your own community, consider making a monetary donation to a local food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or food hamper program. Angel trees and toy drives are other great options to make Christmas brighter for a child.

Once you’ve made your donation, look into whether your employer offers a charitable donation matching program. It’s a way to double your impact.

Consider a charitable gift instead of a Christmas gift

Have you ever thought about donating to a charity instead of buying a Christmas gift for someone who really doesn’t need anything? When my daughters were small, we did that at Christmas instead of teacher gifts. Teachers can only use so many coffee mugs, candles and Christmas ornaments, so it was always appreciated!

Talk to friends and family members to see if you could forego your usual gift exchange this year and make charitable donations instead.

Volunteer your time

If you’re not able to make a cash donation, and have time on your hands, look into volunteer opportunities with local charities. Volunteer Canada has a tool to match your skills and time availability with volunteer opportunities across the country.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding activity to celebrate the season with friends or family, consider volunteering together. You’ll make great memories and do some good at the same time.  

The holiday season is all about giving. This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to make a difference in the life of someone who needs your help.

What are your thoughts on Giving Tuesday? Is there a cause that you donate your time, talent or treasure to? Tell me your stories below.