It’s always a great time to serve others, but fall is an especially good time–right before the holiday rush. It’s my favorite time of year, and I enjoy sharing it with my family and others who might need a boost. Take a look at my ideas below, and brainstorm with your family to make a list that’s perfect for you.
These ideas are arranged in no particular order. Just go and have fun while making a difference:
1. Decorate a shut-in’s window. Buy window-cling decorations and easy-peel stickers that reflect the season. My son and I just found some very cute options at our local dollar store. He’s four and is very happy to decorate any window, any time. He’s so happy to do this that we’re decorating Grandma’s window and a friend’s window–both live in care centers.
2. Rake someone’s leaves. Know someone who can’t get out to do their yard work? Give them a hand, and make it fun. Rake a huge pile and jump in! Let the kids compact the leaves play before you scoop them into trash bags.
3. Bake and share a fall-flavored dessert. We absolutely love homemade peach pie, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, and cookies. Eat some and take a plate to a neighbor. Hint: Don’t just drop and run. At least attach a note. Recipients need to know who made the goodies; you can only do this anonymously if it’s storebought goodies. Here is our favorite peach pie recipe.
These pumpkin recipes look irresistible, and are on my to-bake list:
4. Decorate a pumpkin to give away. Many adults without kids don’t take the time to carve or decorate a pumpkin. Let your little crafter make some fun creations to share. Here are some great decorating ideas:
5. Take a shut-in on a scenic drive. When fall colors are in splendor, go for a nice, long drive with someone who doesn’t get out much. On the way, stop for a fall treat. Fruit stands are open, or local ice cream parlors often have pumpkin flavors.
6. Participate in a charity 5K. Fun runs and walks are such a great way to offer community support for a good cause. Even those of us with a low to average fitness level can participate. Sometimes you can even find a one-miler for the kiddos to run in. We’re doing one on Thanksgiving morning. Can’t wait!
7. Do a scone fry for the neighborhood. We’ve done this for Halloween a few times, and it’s always a fabulous hit! But you can choose any day or time for this fun event. Why do I consider this as service? Because it gathers the whole neighborhood together. In today’s techy world where we text each other, it’s honestly so worth it to host get togethers where eveyone can visit in person. You’ll be amazed at how much people open up and visit. They’ll love the scones, of course, but they’ll love the in-person visit even more. Try our family’s favorite scone recipe. For not much money, you can feed the whole neighborhood. I should clarify that in Utah, scones are fried dough, like Navajo fry bread. They’re not the baked English scones. Fry up the scones and top with butter, cinnamon sugar, honey, a variety of jams, or powdered sugar. Serve them hot and ready!
8. Share a cute, fall printable. You can find lots of them on Pinterest. I think these are beautiful!
9. Fix someone’s bike and go on a ride together. Do you have basic, bike-fixing skills. Even with Youtube tutorials, some people need a helping hand. Offer yours, and help someone to enjoy a nice ride in the fall weather.
10. Send a digital picture. Love to take pictures? Notice the fall splendor. See something unusual or striking? Take some close-ups, different angles. Share on social media, and brighten others’ days. Don’t have any digital images to share? Here’s one that I’ve made. I quite like it. Maybe you will too. Feel free to share it.
11. Share the scent of fall. Last holiday season, a friend made some potpourri and shared it with several of us in the neighborhood. Normally, something like this isn’t even on my radar, but I have to say this stuff made my home smell heavenly! I reused it several times, until the potpourri was well past its prime. So if you have a little time to make this for yourself and others to enjoy, you will help to create a wonderful, homey environment.
Do you love to share with others this time of year? What are your ideas?
Jackie says
These are such great ideas! We baked cookies today and took to our neighbor!
Kerry says
Great work! I’m guessing your kids were involved too. It’s so important to teach them how to reach out to others.
Shell says
These are such sweet and unique ideas to celebrate the fall season!!!
HouseofPsych says
Baking and crockpot meals are big “fall activities” in my home!! I hate the cold winter months but I love an excuse to make soups and chili! Lol
Kerry says
Me too! And I’ve been using my Instant Pot a lot too. Autumn really is a yummy season!
Nicole Wren says
Decorating a pumpkin to give away is a GREAT idea! We planted pumpkins in our garden this year and have more than enough – besides, I can’t stand putting my hands inside those things! 🙂
Kerry says
Right? And the kids won’t scoop them out–for sure. Have fun decorating them!
Claire says
These are great ideas. We’ll definitely be doing a few of these here in Scotland. I’ll stick to calling it Autumn though Cx
Kerry says
Autumn does sound better. 🙂