Holidays typically mean a day off of work with time to relax, kick back and maybe even get some things done that you’ve been putting off. However, some holidays carry more meaning. The upcoming Memorial Day holiday is all about honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This is the perfect holiday to exercise taking a day “on” instead of a day off. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been designated the true holiday to perform acts of service, there’s no reason you can’t practice this for other holidays throughout the year.
There are plenty of ways you can get the best of both worlds on any holiday by spending family time and giving back. Check out these steps to turn your day off into a day “on.”
Find an Organization
The first step is to decide where you’d like to give back for your “day on.” Consider lining up your volunteer efforts with either the holiday or with one of your passions. For example, Memorial Day may be a great opportunity to volunteer for an organization that honors Veterans, and Thanksgiving may be a great opportunity to volunteer at a foodbank. Or, you could volunteer for an organization that aligns with your passions. As long as you’re giving back, your day on is off to a good start!
Involve Your Family & Friends
If you were looking forward to spending the holiday with your loved ones, you can still get the best of both worlds. Ask your family and friends to take some time to volunteer with you. There will still be plenty of time for your planned activities, but the act of volunteering will get your day off to a great start. Experiences are meant to be shared, especially great ones like this!
Make it a Tradition
In order to have a tradition, you have to start somewhere. Consider making your day of giving back a tradition by starting this year. Weave it into the day’s activities so you have something to look forward to. You’ll leave the day of volunteerism feeling refreshed and great knowing that you helped somebody in need.
Reserve Some Time
First things first—you’ll want to make sure the organization is open for volunteering on your weekend off. You may need to volunteer on the holiday weekend instead of the actual holiday, depending on the organization. Once you’ve selected where you want to volunteer, call up the nonprofit and reserve your time slot. Ask what you’ll need to bring to be successful so you know what you’re up against.
Consider Donating
If you already made plans this year or are looking to give back in another way, consider donating to an organization of your choice. Most organizations make it easy to donate through their website. You can often choose between a one-time donation or a recurring donation to find the best option to meet your needs.
How will you honor a day of giving on your day off? There are countless reasons to make it happen. Feel good knowing that you made a difference and used your time for good!
