As we make our way into the month of December, we are reminded that the season of giving is once again upon us. Gift drives, visits to loved ones, and cozy nights around a fireplace all cue the traditionally festive and grateful mood of the holiday season. While it may be easy to become wrapped up in creating your perfect Christmas wish list and hoping for that special product in your stocking, it’s always important to remember what the holiday season is truly about; spreading love to those around you. While gift giving can be a generous way to do this, I also enjoy spreading holiday cheer in other ways, especially within my local community. As the president of a club dedicated purely to community service, here are some of my top recommendations for someone looking to give back this holiday season. 

Rotary Naper Lights

If you’ve recently taken a stroll down the Naperville Riverwalk or Water Street, you’ve likely noticed the brilliant display of lights in Jaycees Park. Each year, the Rotary Club creates a free exhibit of light-up snowmen, reindeer, and other festive figures for the public to enjoy. If you’re lucky, you may even catch Santa seated by the large Christmas tree at the very center of the display. Volunteers can hand out 3D glasses for visitors to put on to experience the dazzling magic of the lights exhibit, and also take pictures of visitors with their families and loved ones. While the opportunity to assist in setting up the exhibit has passed, many volunteers are always appreciated to help take down the display in January. As someone who has spent many hours volunteering at Naper Lights in the past, I will say that it can get very cold (nothing a hat and gloves can’t fix!) – but definitely worth seeing the little toddlers in awe of the lights, and snapping some good pictures of others awkwardly being forced to sit on Santa’s lap. Additionally, this experience is perfect for students looking for service hours. If logged through North’s Interact Club, students can get credit for doing double the amount of hours they actually spent volunteering.

Park District Santa’s Workshop & Donuts With Santa

These two separate events, run by the Naperville Park District, provide the thrilling opportunity for children to meet Santa, while also participating in a variety of crafts and activities with their family. Not only does it foster the festive holiday spirit, but it also promotes time spent with family and community members. Several themed nights such as special needs night, pet night, and military and first responders night are also included. Volunteers are needed to oversee the holiday themed games and crafts, assist with hot chocolate and donuts, or take photos with Santa. Dates and times can be found on the Park District website, and festive attire is encouraged. 

Ronald McDonald Drive

The Ronald McDonald House is an independent American nonprofit organization that aims to directly improve the health and well-being of children. One of the many ways they do this is their holiday item drive. Through the month of November, Naperville North is collecting a variety of items requested by the Ronald McDonald house. North’s Interact Club offers a service hour per item. It’s an easy way to embrace the spirit of giving, especially to those in need during this holiday season. 

Interact Random Acts of Kindness

This service opportunity comes from your own NNHS Interact Club! Personally, this one is my favorite because it can be accommodated to one’s schedule, and it’s so rewarding to see how a little act of kindness can so directly and positively affect a parent, elderly neighbor, or friend. Now through February, Interact Club is rewarding 1 hour of service for every act of kindness, which includes shoveling a driveway, clearing a sidewalk, or cleaning off someone’s car during the snowy season. All you have to do is take a selfie in front of the job before and after you shovel or clean away the snow. It’s such an easy way to show others how much you care during this season dedicated to gratitude and love. 

These service opportunities are just a few of the many ways that an individual can spread appreciation and love within their community during the holidays. While gifts are always fun to give and receive, it’s important to remember during this season of giving that sometimes the best gift of all is simply a hug, a small charity donation, or doing an extra chore for your mom. An act of kindness, no matter how small, never fails to make the holiday season more cheerful and fulfilling for not only those around you, but yourself as well.