10 ways to care for orphans & widows this holiday season.

There's something about this time of year. For most of us, there's a lingering joy in the air, and a sweetness about the season! If we let it, it generates gratitude, and a desire to reach out to those who are hurting, helping them experience the joy of Jesus.

We can be bombarded with needs and opportunities - and overwhelmed when we make the decision to walk through the pain others are experiencing during this otherwise merry season. It's tempting - and easy - to fall into the trap of feeling like if we can't do it all beautifully, it's better to do nothing at all.

​But each of us has been given a precious gift - the gift of Jesus. And this season, as we celebrate His birth, the very best thing we can do is give that gift away.

​Here are 10 simple ways you can care for orphans and widows this holiday season!

1. Pray
   Intentionally set aside time to pray for orphans and widows. Pray for the orphans in your state and the widows in your church. Pray for them by name. Pray for them like you would if they were your own parents or children.
2. Write a card.
   ​Everyone loves getting hand written cards. It can rival an etsy shop creation, or simply be thoughtful words in a store boughten card. Personalize it with the recipient's name, if you can, and fill it with JOY! Places you can deliver cards: foster care agencies, group homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living communities.
3. Make cookies.
   ​The only thing more universally loved than cards is cookies. Keep it simple or make them gourmet! If you're feeling especially creative, make a batch of gluten/dairy free cookies. Some kiddos (like mine!) can't enjoy the typical holiday treats because of allergies. Going that extra step is sure to bless a little one! Contact local foster care agencies or group homes to see when they're hosting their Christmas parties - they'll be very grateful for your baked goods! Contact your local nursing home or assisted living community to arrange a time to drop off your goodies! Or, surprise a local foster family or widow with a box of cookies!
4. Share a Meal.
   Invite a widow from your community over for dinner! Maybe you're new to town, or live on the fifth floor of an apartment without an elevator - that's okay. Go to your local nursing home, during a meal time, and sit with some of the residents.
5. Send a Meal.
   Deliver a hot meal to a local foster family. Homemade, take out, or delivery count! (Just check with the family about allergies!) OR Make a freezer meal or 2 and stock their freezer with easy dinners!
6. Volunteer.
   Spend an afternoon (or more!) volunteering at your local foster care agency, group home, nursing home, or assisted living community. This time of year there are lots of activities going on. Call and ask how you can best serve these organizations that are already serving orphans and widows!
7. Give Gifts.
   ​Shoeboxes through Operation Christmas Child. Adoption grants through Show Hope or Reese's Rainbow. Give gifts to ministries that are helping orphans and widows. Give gifts directly to widows and families that are making sure there's one less orphan in need of care. You can even use this as an opportunity to honor friends and family in your Christmas gift giving!
8. Serve.
   ​Help meet the practical needs of a widow by shoveling the walkway, running errands, or completing projects around the house. If you don't know a widow in need of assistance, check with your church or ask around - chances are there's an opportunity to serve right around the corner!
9. Start the Foster Care and/or Adoption Process.
   ​This could/should/will be a post of it's own! But for the sake of keeping it short and sweet, one of the best ways to care for orphans, is to change their status from orphan to son or daughter!
10. Share.
    ​Sharing about the needs of orphans and widows requires no money and very little time. You can advocate for children in need of families. You can raise awareness for ministries that are working with orphans and widows. You can present the needs of specific widows, orphans, and/or foster families and ask people to rally support. You can share this post and encourage others to engage in one of the 10 ways you can care for orphans and widows this holiday season!

What would you add to this list? What are some of the ways you and your family care for orphans and widows? Which of these suggestions can you implement into your holiday season this year?