54 Days ’Til Christmas – Start a Holiday Giving Tradition with Your Family

This post is part of the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge – one small step every day to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful.

Welcome to November — the month where we shift from pumpkins to purpose.
October was full of fun, costumes, and cozy chaos… but now it’s time to slow things down and bring a little more heart into our days.

November is the perfect time to start building the spirit of the holidays — not just through decorations or to-do lists, but through holiday giving.
And not just giving gifts — giving time, kindness, love, and care.

Today’s task is simple but meaningful: Establish a tradition of giving that your family can carry into every holiday season.

🌟 Why Start a Holiday Giving Tradition Now

Starting early in November means you can truly enjoy the act of giving — without rushing or squeezing it in at the last minute.
It also helps set the tone for a more meaningful holiday season.

Giving isn’t just something we do; it’s something that connects us.
It teaches kids empathy, reminds us what truly matters, and adds a sense of calm joy to all the busy moments ahead.

By choosing your family’s way to give now, you’re starting the season with intention and heart — and that’s what this time of year is all about.

💝 Ways to Give as a Family

There’s no single “right” way to give. The goal is to find something that fits your family’s lifestyle and values — something that feels doable and genuine.

Here are a few simple ideas to inspire you:

1. Donate Together

• Choose a cause that matters to your family — like a food pantry, toy drive, coat collection, or animal shelter.
• Let kids help pick out items or deliver donations so they can see their impact firsthand.
• Many organizations start collecting in early November, so now’s the perfect time to check local deadlines.

2. Volunteer Your Time

• Look for community events where families can volunteer together — serving meals, helping at a shelter, or writing cards for nursing homes.
• Even one hour can make a difference.
• If you have younger kids, find creative ways to include them — like making holiday cards or helping sort donated toys.

3. Spread Random Acts of Kindness

Small, unexpected gestures can make someone’s whole day better.
Here are a few family-friendly ideas:

• Pay for the next person’s coffee
• Leave a thank-you note for your mail carrier
• Bake cookies for a neighbor
• Donate gently used coats or toys
• Compliment a stranger or coworker

You can even make it a family challenge: set a goal to complete one small act of kindness each week in November.

🕯️ Create a Family Giving Tradition

Once you find a way to give that feels special to your family, make it a yearly tradition.
It doesn’t have to be big or complicated — just meaningful.

A few ideas:

• Thankful Thursdays: each week in November, choose one act of gratitude or kindness.
• Give Back Day: pick a weekend before Thanksgiving to donate, volunteer, or pack care kits.
• Adopt a Cause: return to the same organization or charity every year.
• Capture the Memories: take a photo or write a short reflection about your experience each year to add to a “Giving Scrapbook.”

These small moments become some of the most beautiful family memories over time.

✨ Wrap-Up: Start November with Heart

As we step into this new month, let’s lead with generosity.
When we give — whether it’s a little time, a little kindness, or a little help — we bring the true spirit of Christmas to life long before December arrives.

So tonight, gather your family around the table (or during dinner, or even in the carpool line) and decide:
How will we give this year?

Because the best traditions don’t come from a store.
They start with love — and a little intention.

🎯 Today’s To-Do

• Talk with your family about ways to give back this season.
• Choose one act, donation, or event to commit to.
• Add it to your holiday planner or calendar.
• And most importantly — let it come from the heart.