After the rush of November’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, take some time this holiday season to be mindful. Whether it’s through giving back to your local community, creating less waste for the planet or taking time for yourself, the holidays are the perfect time to be intentional with how you spend your time and resources.
Volunteer
One of the best ways to give back to your community is to volunteer! Organizations such as Syracuse-based Rescue Mission Alliance have volunteering opportunities every day, but for specific offerings, check out their array of holiday events that students can sign up for. On Saturday, Dec. 9, Rescue Mission will hold its annual Cookie Bake, and from Dec. 18-22, students can prepare and pack Christmas meals. There will also be volunteering slots on Christmas Day. You can sign up on Rescue Mission’s volunteering website.
Donate
As a college student, it can be difficult to make monetary donations to charities, but you can still give physical items to organizations asking for donations during the holiday season. This can include basic needs items like food, toiletries and clothes, so if you’d like, go Marie Kondo your space and consider if any of your less-used items could benefit someone in need! Some organizations asking for donations this winter include the Hendricks Chapel food pantry and Rescue Mission Alliance. And while it’s great to give back during the holiday season, remember that your donations and volunteer hours are still important throughout the rest of the year, too!
Support Local Businesses
If you still have some holiday shopping left to do, why not make purchases that support the local community? Only open throughout the holiday season, Art Mart—located at 476 S. Salina St.—is a holiday pop-up art gallery that has been in business for nearly 70 years! Featuring the work of over 30 local artisans, you can find your loved ones a beautiful gift while giving back to your community. Or check out CNY Regional Market’s holiday market and shop for fresh holiday meal ingredients and hand-crafted holiday gifts and decor.
Reuse and Upcycle
Being mindful this holiday season can also include doing good for the planet. When wrapping gifts, use already-available materials like newspaper or old boxes—or go wrapping-less entirely! Or, instead of buying brand-new gifts, plan a fun gift swap event with friends! Each person offers an item that they already own, which will save you money and reduce your consumption.
Enjoy Some “You Time”
Don’t forget the importance of giving back to yourself this holiday season! For many, the holidays can be a stressful time, so remember to prioritize your well-being. Whether it be catching up on sleep, spending time with loved ones or doing a hobby that you love, carve out time to do the things that make you happy!
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.