Hey there, friends! The holiday season can be a whirlwind of emotions, often culminating in the big finale of stress and maxed-out credit cards. It’s high time we consider alternative ways to experience the magic of the season. That’s why I want to introduce you to Giving Tuesday—a unique blend of kindness, community, and age-old traditions. Ready to unwrap this new holiday? Let’s dive in.
Background of Giving Tuesday
Origins of Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a fascinating amalgamation of old and new traditions. While the holiday originally grew out of the idea of “Giving Tuesday,” a philanthropic response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it also borrows elements from much older practices.
The Ancient Influences: Yule and the Winter Solstice
The winter holiday draws inspiration from the ancient festival of Yule, celebrated by Germanic peoples during the winter solstice. Yule was a time of gift-giving, communal feasting, and renewing bonds—values that resonate with the spirit of Giving Tuesday (“The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas” by John Matthews).
The Modern Catalyst: Black Friday and Consumerism
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has seen exponential growth over the years. According to the National Retail Federation, sales numbers have been steadily climbing, with a whopping $9 billion spent online in 2020 alone. But the increase in sales volume has also led to cut-throat attitudes, often captured in news stories of people fighting over discounted electronics or camping overnight outside big-box stores. The escalation of consumer frenzy has prompted many to question whether the holiday spirit is getting lost in the shuffle.
Giving Tuesday aims to be the counterbalance to the escalating consumerist tendencies by emphasizing a more heartfelt and sustainable form of celebration. The idea is to marry the ancient traditions of Yule, which focus on community and generosity, with a modern call to counter consumerism by dedicating a whole month to giving and gratitude.
This unique blend makes Giving Tuesday not just another date on the calendar, but a meaningful alternative to mainstream holiday practices. It’s a chance to get back to what truly matters during the holiday season—making meaningful connections and sharing love and kindness.
Date(s) When Celebrated
Although traditionally held on the first Tuesday of December, you can stretch the practices of Giving Tuesday throughout the entire month.
The Sociology of Holidays
Holidays are not just about individual celebration; they enforce social structures and help us identify with larger communities (“Holidays, Ritual, Festival, Celebration: An Encyclopedia of American Folklife”). Sociological studies, like those by Emile Durkheim, point out that holidays can provide a break from our daily routine, rejuvenating our social and emotional selves.
The Biological Importance
Neuroscience studies have shown that acts of kindness stimulate our brain’s reward system (“The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness” by Dacher Keltner). Moreover, altruism can be a countermeasure to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which commonly affects people during winter months.
Two Ways to Celebrate Giving Tuesday
The Simple Way: Thoughtful Letters or Emails
Time Required
Approximately 20-40 minutes per letter or email, depending on the depth of your message and your writing speed.
Supplies
- Pen and paper for handwritten letters or a computer/smartphone for emails
- A quiet space where you can focus
- Your heartfelt thoughts and memories
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose Your Recipient: Think of a person who has positively impacted your life this year or with whom you want to reconnect.
- Set the Mood: Find a comfortable and quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Play some calming background music if that helps you focus.
- Start with a Greeting: Begin your letter with a warm greeting. This sets the tone for the rest of your message.
- Body of the Letter: This is where you pour your thoughts. Here are some prompts to get you started:
- Describe a specific moment or memory that encapsulates the positive impact this person has had on you.
- Express gratitude for specific actions or general qualities that you admire.
- Share how they’ve helped you grow or what you’ve learned from them.
- Wrap It Up: Conclude the letter by summarizing what this person means to you. Make it heartfelt and genuine.
- Sign Off: End the letter with a warm closing (“Sincerely,” “With love,” “Warm regards,” etc.) and your name.
- Send or Deliver: If it’s a handwritten letter, mail it or deliver it personally. If it’s an email, hit that send button!
Benefits
The act of putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—can be therapeutic for you while offering a meaningful gesture to someone else. From personal experience, I’ve found that such letters can rekindle old friendships, strengthen existing relationships, and even mend emotional wounds.
Prompts for Strong Heartfelt Notes
- Specific Memories: “I’ll never forget the time when you…”
- Gratitude: “I can’t thank you enough for…”
- Personal Impact: “You may not realize it, but you’ve helped me in the following ways…”
- Admiration: “I’ve always admired your ability to…”
- Growth and Lessons: “I’ve grown as a person this year, and much of that credit goes to you because…”
Taking the time to craft a thoughtful letter or email not only provides a break from the holiday hustle but also serves as a cherished gift that costs nothing but is invaluable. It’s an ideal way to celebrate Giving Tuesday in a way that fosters deep emotional connections.
The Elaborate Way: Host a Community Sharing Fair
Time Required
At least 4-6 weeks for planning and a full day for the event itself.
Supplies
- A shared space, like a community hall, park, or even your backyard
- Tables and chairs
- Signage for directing attendees and labeling sections
- A digital platform for invitations (e.g., social media, email)
- Optional: Food and beverages for a potluck
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pick a Date and Venue: Choose a date that allows you ample time for planning. Once the date is set, secure a venue.
- Craft the Invitation: Use social media, email, or good old-fashioned flyers to send out the invitations. Clearly mention what the fair is about and what people should bring.
- Organize Logistics: Make sure you have enough tables and chairs. Create signs to designate areas for different types of items (e.g., books, clothes, kitchenware, etc.).
- Collaborate: Get in touch with local artisans, musicians, or experts who could offer workshops or performances at the fair.
- Set Up: Arrive early to set up the space. Use the signage to guide attendees.
- Execute the Fair: As people arrive, guide them to place their items on the appropriate tables. Let the sharing begin!
- Facilitate Workshops or Performances: If you’ve planned for these, make sure they run smoothly. It’s a great way to break the ice and add another layer of community engagement.
- Potluck Meal: If you’re incorporating food, have a designated area for the potluck. This could serve as a great finale to the event.
- Wrap Up: At the end of the day, ensure that unclaimed items go to a charitable organization. Thank everyone for coming and encourage them to take the spirit of Giving Tuesday into their daily lives.
- Share the Love: Document the day with photos and share them on your community network. It’s a way to cherish the memories and perhaps make it an annual tradition.
Benefits
Hosting a Community Sharing Fair is not just about the physical items that get exchanged. It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and sustainable living. In my own experience, one of our sharing fairs led to the creation of a community garden, turning a one-time event into a lasting legacy.
This elaborate way to celebrate Giving Tuesday requires a bit more effort, but the rewards—both tangible and intangible—are truly priceless. It’s an incredible way to foster a sense of community while also making a positive impact on the environment through sustainable practices.
What Makes Giving Tuesday Unique
Giving Tuesday is a rare blend of history, sociology, and biology. Several studies, including those published in the World Happiness Report, show elevated well-being scores among people who engage in altruistic activities. You don’t have to take my word for it; the data speaks volumes.
Wrapping up
Let’s reclaim the holidays for what they should be: a season of giving, community, and kindness. Whether you’re cozied up in a rural farmhouse or surrounded by city lights, there’s room for you in this enriching, alternative holiday. Don’t let tradition or social norms dictate your celebrations—choose to celebrate in a way that aligns with your values.
Further Reading
- “The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas” by John Matthews
- “Holidays, Ritual, Festival, Celebration: An Encyclopedia of American Folklife” edited by Simon J. Bronner
- “The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness” by Dacher Keltner
Until next time, friends. May your December be filled with meaningful moments and inspired giving. Cheers!