As many of us prepare for the holiday season with Thanksgiving this week (and Christmas right behind!), it's a good time to reflect on the many things we're thankful for this year. Perhaps you're most thankful to be gathering with friends and family for the first time in a long time, or maybe you're thankful for a new job (or keeping your old one) after a period of uncertainty. Whatever it is you are thankful for, it's so important to take time to remember and be grateful. It's also important to recognize that there are many around us who are still dealing with sadness, uncertainty, and other difficulties that make the holiday less celebratory, and more of a reminder of what isn't going well. That's why it's so important to give back. Whether it's through a community organization, a local ministry, or on your own, here are some ways you can pay the blessings forward this Thanksgiving season:

Donate your time. Taking a few hours to serve at a local shelter, help pack boxed Thanksgiving dinners for families in need, or making extras of your own Thanksgiving feast to deliver to shut-in neighbors are just a few simple means of spreading some love during the days leading up to Thanksgiving day.
Feeding Bodies = Feeding Souls. A good, hot meal is always welcome to those who are accustomed to going without, but this is especially true on Thanksgiving. Many food pantries tend to run low on items at this time of year, but if you're willing to step up, they don't have to! Organize a food drive in your neighborhood to collect canned foods and dry goods, or provide grocery gift cards for your local shelter. This helps them increase their stock of items on the shelves, and make it possible for more families to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner of their own. You'll fill bellies and brighten spirits with your kindness!
Look ahead. Because Christmas follows so closely behind Thanksgiving, now is a great time to look for opportunities to serve others through holiday events and organizations. There are many programs that let you "adopt" a child or a family for the Christmas season to provide gifts and/or a holiday meal. Many homeless ministries are looking for extra hands for a variety of projects around this time of year. Fundraising for your local charities, or simply going out caroling with a group of friends is a wonderful way to spread cheer this season.

We encourage you to take time this holiday to reflect on the many ways we've been blessed this year, and look for opportunities to pay it forward to those around us.

With just a little over a week left until Valentine's Day, many of us are busy making preparations for showing the ones we love just how much we care. It's no secret though that this year's holiday looks different than years past. No crowded restaurants, no big parties, no surprise cruises or last-minute vacations and no large-scale community events will be making their way onto the calendar. However, the reason for the day still rings true, and it's a good reminder that love isn't something you buy, but rather, something you show...and you can show it in SO many ways.

Here are some fun ways you can celebrate (safely) with the ones you care about most this holiday, whether it's your sweetheart, your kids, or someone else that's special in your life:

Do a "ding-dong and dash" surprise! This could be dropping off dinner, a homemade valentine card, a special dessert, or a bouquet of roses, but the idea is to ring the doorbell, and run away quickly after leaving the surprise at the recipient's front door. This is a fun way to show your love to an aging parent or loved one stuck at home, or to surprise someone who is currently in quarantine and can't celebrate the way they usually would.
Classic candy and cards...with a twist! While we all remember exchanging homemade valentine's and treats with our classmates, teachers, or coworkers in years past, this year the tradition might need a little tweaking. Instead of homemade goodies that could seem risky to some people, opt for store-bought candies or treats that are safely and individually wrapped. Put plenty of extra effort into your homemade card to give it the unique and special element that the treat will be missing this holiday!
Make early reservations, or enjoy a candlelight dinner at home. Restaurant reservations will fill more quickly than usual this year since most dining spaces are operating at limited capacity. Reserve your table as soon as possible, or make plans for a romantic dinner with candles for your sweetie at home. A simple setup on your own patio makes it feel more special than eating at the kitchen table, and if you add in takeout from their favorite place and a decadent dessert, they're sure to be just as happy as they would be in a 5-star local eatery!
Give back! Showing love to others is one of the best ways you can celebrate the holiday of love. Many community charities are in need right now, and donating to a local food pantry or shelter, or volunteering your time and energy (if you feel safe to do so) is a wonderful way to love those around you and bring yourself tons of joy in the process.

Newton Peach Marketing believes that every holiday has the potential to be just as special as the last, even if the traditions look a little different this year. Over the last 12 months, we’ve all learned a lot about resilience, creativity, and certainly about love. Time away from friends and family members have reminded us that love should be celebrated always, not just one one holiday each year. How will you show the ones in your life how much you care? We hope the tips and tricks above make the 14th just a little bit more special this year, and will bring some joy to you and to those around you. Happy Valentine’s Day!