How to Tip with Joy this Holiday

Generosity goes a long way

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. — John Bunyan

We all want to be seen and heard. In all of our hearts, there is a longing to matter in this world. There are so many people all around us who give of their time all year long without recognition. They tend to fade into the background. Yet, our lives would not be the same without them. This time of year, let’s remember them with some generosity. Then, perhaps we will think of them more throughout the year and extend kindness to them more regularly.

My husband taught me a lot about tipping. His rule is to give 20–25 per cent. In some situations, it is appropriate to tip extra. It spreads joy and positivity into your experiences. When someone is giving you their time and attention, it is paramount to recognize their effort and all that they put into their work. This article is all about those who rarely receive tips and gifts. This time of year, it is such a joy to put the spotlight on them. On my 100-day journey exploring abundance, today, I shine a light on generosity.

There are many ways to tip this holiday season. It does not always have to be a cash tip. Perhaps you can make them a handmade greeting card and write a note telling them how much you appreciate them. Homemade treats in a bag or a box are also a great way to thank people who help you throughout the year. What we like to do is wrap $5 or $10 bills around candy canes, tape them and decorate them with ribbon. Then, we carry them with us when we run errands. If we run across someone we would like to thank, we give them one.

Garbage/Recycling Collectors:

They are the weekly unsung heroes of the neighborhood. They always take our extra recycling and do a fantastic job. We have an elaborate plan to give a tip to them. On a garbage/recycling collection day close to Christmas, we put up two sawhorses with arrows on them. We then tape a card with some money in it to that. Then, we wait for them to come by, watch out the window, and make sure that they get their gift.

Mail Carriers:

Our mail carriers work tirelessly throughout the year to deliver our mail and packages. Ours is so kind and always drops off our large boxes onto our porch instead of leaving a note that we have to pick it up at the post office. We truly appreciate that. I always leave a card in the mailbox that says: “Happy Holidays to our Mail Carrier.” We can put a cash tip in there or a gift card.

Delivery People:

This is the year to remember our delivery people. Because of the pandemic, we are all relying more on having things delivered to our homes. Every day these people tirelessly work to make sure deliveries arrive on time. Leaving a bag of snacks for them is a great way to say thank you. You may not have the same delivery person every time, but leaving something as a kind gesture goes a long way.

Curbside Pick Up People:

This year we have started to order our groceries online, and then pick them up curbside at the store. It has been our Saturday routine for these past few months to pick up our groceries between 10 am-11 am. We have gotten to know some lovely, positive people there. Our regular grocery helpers are Breonna and Diana. We have delighted in chatting with them for a few minutes while they load up the groceries.

Yard Care People:

You may have someone who helps you with yard work every week or from time to time. Or, you may live in a complex that has yard care included as part of living there. These amazing landscape artists are often not recognized for the beauty they create. Giving them a small token of appreciation in the form of a tip, a card, or some snacks will bring joy to their day.

My prayer and my intention for you today is for you to make a list of people you rarely tip, but who help you all year long. Make sure to extend some kindness to them in the form of a card, a tip or some snacks. They will appreciate it immensely. The kindness you give will be repaid in the joy that you feel.

Day #42: How can you give something to the people who help you all year long?

I am tagging some amazing fellow writers on this journey. They joined me on my 100-day spiritual journey and it is an honor to have them here on this journey. I ask that you read their beautiful work here on Medium. Thank you for your generosity! Bob Jasper, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Rasheed Hooda, Jenine Bsharah Baines, Amy Marley, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Chowa Sekai, Michele Thill, Terry Mansfield, Tony Young, Jr., Dr John Rose, Vishnu*s Virtues, Noma Dek, Neha Sandhir S, Art Bram, Joe Luca, Tree Langdon, Sherry S, Melissa Bee, Annelise Lords, Suntonu Bhadra, Henery X, Lanu Pitan, Selma, Annick Batamuliza, Taha Abbas, Nihan Kucukura and many more! Thank you Illumination, Genius in a Bottle, Paper Poetry, and Medium Family!

Trista Signe Ainsworth is a Professional Organizer at Joyful Minimalism. She guides clients on a personal growth journey through their homes.

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