Everyone loves Christmas, right? Well, if you're having a hard time this year, it might feel like there's nothing you can do to make Christmas better this year. If that's the case, then maybe you should consider taking a look at some uplifting posts from other people who are having trouble this year or who are simply trying to spread the joy. We found that these photos are almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face at some point, so if you want something to smile about, go ahead and take a look at these posts!
Christmas Grandpa
Everyone needs a bit of holiday cheer, so if you don't have any right now then you just need to find something! All it takes is something to make you smile and you should feel the magic of the holiday breathing life into your soul. Let's start off with this image of a cute old man shared by someone who just knew we needed this in our lives.
Isn't that just the best? We're already smiling and can't wait to see what else is in store for us. If it's got any more of those awesome ties, we're in.
Neighbors to the Rescue
Christmas isn't just about giving receiving gifts. There are also tons of ways that you can give on Christmas as well. For example, if you know someone who might be having a hard time this year, you can help them out. One person explained their experiences on Reddit: "Spending Christmas alone for the first time due to COVID and my neighbors brought me over a complete Christmas dinner. Meant a lot to me, so glad to have them!"
Those are some good folks to have in your life right there. More people need to be like this. We would definitely help out anyone with a meal as long as they've got the stomach for it!
Co-Workers Rule
Here's another amazing thing you can do for somebody. One person posted this picture and said, "Workmate knows I've been finding the last few months very tough financially. Been alone this xmas and I've only known him six months. Told me when I go in today, there's a bag for me. I presumed it would be a few beers but man this got me so much more! This guy filled my cupboards".
That is definitely a whole lot of goodies. We love to see when people help others out. It really helps us believe that there is still good in the world.
Neighbors to the Rescue Part 2
It seems like everyone is looking out for each other this year. User Stepoh shared this image on Reddit with the caption, "Neighbours knew I was going to be alone for Christmas so they brought me this". That's a whole Thanksgiving meal right there. And what better way to have Thanksgiving than being thankful for somebody only a month after the initial feast? We're just happy to see he won't be going hungry this year.
Even if you are alone, it seems there are always people out there to save you in a pinch. It starting to feel really good to be alive again. Now we just need Covid to move on out of here.
Open House
Whether or not you have a place to go on Christmas, you always know that you've got these two to have your back. Although they don't celebrate Christmas, they are happy to have you over at their restaurant if you have nowhere else to go. And you don't even have to pay! That sounds like a pretty good deal to us. And it must make them feel just as good.
You don't come across people like this every day. We hope that we get to meet a lot more people who would go out of their way for others like this.
A Bus Full of Toys
Speaking of going out of their way for others, we have to tell you about this bus driver. In a post on Facebook from Lake Highlands Elementary, they explained the pictures: "This is Curtis Jenkins, a bus driver for our school. He asked every kid on the bus what they wanted for Christmas and then BOUGHT IT FOR THEM! There was even a bike on that bus!!!" That sounds truly extraordinary.
"This reminds us how much good there is in the world and how we should all strive to be a little more like Curtis," they said. We couldn't agree more.
A Gift for Someone Else
He's not the only one who has gone out of their way to get a gift for someone they care about. Although it's certainly on a lesser scale, this instance of generosity is by no means any less important. When a dad went to get a gift that his son really wanted, he came back to find that he wasn't actually getting a gift for his son, but a gift for his daughter.
As it turns out, the kid really cared a lot about his sister. So much so that he would rather she get the gift of playing with him than receive something else. This gives us hope for the future.
Who Needs Him Anyway
It's hard when you lose someone you thought you loved, but if this woman's post on Reddit is anything to go by, there's always a bright side. She says, "My husband hated Christmas. But he left me this year, so now I’ve got my first proper Christmas tree in 18 years, and a new rescue kitty, so I’m doing alright. [smiley face emoji]". Sounds like she's got it all figured out.
Well if you've got all of that going on and you are still doing okay, it sounds like we can pull through just about anything this year. Hope we didn't jinx it.
Immortalized Through Cooking
Unfortunately for one user on Reddit, their mom is struggling with dementia. But she was able to at least make something good out of this sad story. She explained, "Moms getting dementia and cannot bake her Christmas cookies anymore. I collected all her recipes over the last few months during times she could remember them. I made this cookbook for all my family. The picture a fellow redditor colorized for me. 1943 Germany."
At least they were able to get one last thing from their mother before she couldn't tell them anymore. They will still be able to pass on all of the wonderful memories through these recipes.
One Last Time
You don't always get the last time to be with your loved ones, but when you have the moment you really have to seize the opportunity. "Christmas eve 2020," begins u/ReverendMage over on Reddit. "My grandmother who had been in hospice for 6 months watched my kids (her favorite grandkids) open presents one last timeband she was so happy the whole time... She held on just for that, she passed later that day..."
It's really sad to hear what happened to your grandmother, but at least everyone got to be with her one last time. It must have been a great final memory for her as well.
Alone but Not Lonely
Even if you are going to be alone for the first time on Christmas, you really need to find a way to make the most out of it. It's rough, but your family would want you to be having fun and having a good time on this merry holiday. One user on Reddit, Blubarries, was inspired to keep moving on this Christmas and try something new. This was her "first time decorating the tree by [her]self".
"I wanted to make it special this year, because my mom passed away suddenly in October," she said. "So, this is in memory of her." And it certainly looks fantastic.
A New Best Friend
Some people have to find a way to get along through Christmas without their loved ones, but for some other people they actually end up finding those that they love during the merry holiday. For one woman, it actually turned out to be a new family member. After attending a parade at which the dog was present, they formed a bond that would go on to last much longer than expected.
Now they can both spend the rest of their Christmases together. We hope that things have gotten much better since the two of them became the best of friends.
The Perfect Nest
Speaking of furry friends, you really never know when you are going to meet them, do you? Well, if you've got an owl nearby, they may just make a nest out of your wreaths. That's right, one person actually happened upon an owl when they got home. And that owl was nowhere other than their front door, making itself feel at home. It's got to be one of the cutest things we've seen in a while.
We hope some cute owls will come to visit our homes soon. Maybe we can all get them for pets as the wizards and witches do in the "Harry Potter" franchise.
Together Forever
If a picture of an owl doesn't just fill you with joy, how about a picture of a puppy? These two have been together since before that doggo's first Christmas and have been living it up for a while since. They have been together for 12 years now! And they sure look like they've enjoyed every second of it. Who wouldn't when you've got such a cuddly creature in your arms?
We can't wait to have dogs of our own. We're going to take a picture every Christmas to show just how much fun we've had with our pets as well!
Best Friends for Life
Who said that dogs were man's only best friends? Cat's can definitely be there for you, as long as they want to. In fact, if you don't believe us, then you should take a look at this next picture. According to the post, this is the first Christmas movie that the two of them are watching together. And judging by the way that they look, we're sure this isn't going to be the last one, either.
This is how you know that you've made a good friend. Being able to just lie down together and watch a movie is definitely one of the best feelings out there.
Tiny Tree for a Tiny Spider
Maybe you don't have a cat or a dog, but you can always celebrate Christmas with the local wildlife. Some people choose to exhibit fear and disgust towards spiders, but one special woman out there decided that it was high time for someone to treat them with an ounce of respect. She went up there and got him the whole Christmas kit to enjoy the holiday together in their home.
Who would have thought that a little Christmas tree for a spider could look so cute? We really think we'd like to try this if we ever had a pet spider, which will never happen.
First Time Standing
This next post from u/WelschOkie over on Reddit is really wholesome: "This is my dad. He and my mom live in the UK while I live in the USA. Since I saw them last my dad lost both of his legs. I was sent this just before Xmas, this is the first time my dad has stood up without having someone to help him since the amputation and I’m so proud of him."
We're sure anyone would be proud to see their family finally getting up on their own again. These stories make us feel so inspired and like we can do anything!
New Legs
Apparently, you can even use the prosthetics you might have had from an injury or amputation to increase your holiday cheer this year. Just take it from u/benhundben on Reddit who says, "We’ve decorated my prosthetics to match the Christmas feeling we have. Was quite difficult to get a picture of both legs since my son insisted on keeping his hands on them! Happy holidays!" Clearly, those legs are real winners this year.
It seems that if life gives you lemons, you really should make that lemonade, huh? It may not be easy, but doing creative things like this can really lift your spirits up.
A Real Winner
Sometimes people get bored of doing the same thing day in and day out (Or year in and year out?) for Christmas. This man and his friend found a way to spruce things up: "My friend and I replaced Christmas with Brucemas, where we exchange Bruce Willis themed gifts each year. I win forever. (and yes it's real)". Well, if that's his gift, then he definitely wins every Christmas after this, too.
We don't know how he managed to get himself a real signed portrait of Bruce Willis, but this has got to be one of the best Christmas gifts we've ever seen.
Celebrating Many Years Together
Speaking of gifts, how about this adorable furry little gift right here? "My cutie girl was found about 6 years ago on the side of the road on Christmas Day," explains u/beckala215 on Reddit. "She has 3 legs and partial blindness. Noelle says hello!" Well, we definitely say hello back. This fluffy little thing looks right at home. Fitting that she was found on Christmas day. That feels like a good sign.
And clearly, it must have been, seeing her look so ready for Christmas as she does. We hope that your anniversary together is full of love and holiday cheer!
Another First Christmas
What do we love more than a furry friend? Seeing that furry friend be mesmerized by all of the things we as humans do around them. "Every year my cat forgets what a Christmas tree is and re-discovers the wonder," says Reddit user ImAnElkShootMe. And every year since we found it we look at this picture of a cat in wonder and stare in amazement at the animal's sheer existence.
Seriously, what is it that makes people's pets so darn cute? If they really wanted to, they could probably take control of the world with those powers. Or they could just cuddle up to us.
That's How You Know
One of the best parts about being best friends is finding all of the times that just reaffirm how good of friends you are. "Me and my girlfriend got each other the exact same gift for Christmas," said u/martinevarleite on Reddit. This is how you know that you've chosen the right one. When you guys are so in sync that you end up getting each other the same gift, it's a good sign.
We're sure there are many of you out there who experienced these moments. It's the little things that count and every memory should be cherished (and shared like this one!).
A Treasured Gift
Sometimes it really is the little things that make us feel good on Christmas. It is already special when you get a gift from a loved one, but what really matters is the love and thought they put into the gift. For this guy, he got a personalized compass from his father. On the inside of the cover, there is also a little message that he left for his beloved child.
"Needless to say I cried like a baby after opening this on Christmas," says Reddit user kshades12. And we don't blame him. We probably would have done the same thing.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Another cool gift that made us feel good was this one. "My mom spent a year crocheting these Charlie Brown dolls for me for Christmas," said u/coolguyforeverr on Reddit. You know it's gotta be good if the person giving it to you spent the whole year making them. They probably had the idea the Christmas before and had to be patient all that while so as to not spoil the surprise.
And they're not half bad! A gift like this would be sure to please anyone who's a fan of the comics. We certainly would be happy to be receiving a gift like this.
Large and in Charge
Do you know who else was happy to get a gift this year? Ollie. And who exactly might Ollie be? Only one of the cutest dogs we have ever seen, that's who! For Christmas this year, Ollie got himself a portrait with him depicted as some higher up in a royal bloodline. We don't think we've seen anything quite like this, but we have to say that it's one of the best things ever.
Now that we know we can have our dogs painted like this, we're definitely going to do this the next chance we get. This is honestly too good to pass u on.
The Visitor
Man, these furry creatures really do show up out of nowhere sometimes, don't they? Apparently this woman in Adelaide, Australia came home one day to find that her Christmas tree had found someone to pay the rent. As it turns out, the most adorable koala decided to make his home right then and there and was determined to stay there as long as he could. Too bad he couldn't stay, though.
If we found a koala in our Christmas tree, we might actually consider adopting it. Of course, that would probably be a bad idea, but we can dream, can't we?
Holiday Dinosaur
If nothing has gotten you to feel good for the year ahead yet, allow us to introduce this perfect beast. Apparently, "A giant Christmas sweater was created for the T-Rex at London's Natural History Museum this year," according to Reddit user dragon_lady. We have to say that this has got to be one of the best ideas they have ever had. Nothing can be better than a dinosaur in an ugly sweater.
This has got to be the perfect crossover between the modern world and our planet's ancient history. We never thought we'd see the day where t-rex clothing exists. We never even imagined this ourselves.
Christmas Triplets
And if that hasn't gotten you jumping for joy yet, perhaps you would be more interested in a couple (or three) babies having some fun outdoors. This couple wanted to show off their amazingly cute triplets at this year's Christmas! It's really cute to see them all trying to make faces at their parents inside. This makes us want to have some kids of our own. Or we could do this ourselves, too.
If this hasn't put a smile on your face, then we're not sure what might. Maybe you should check out the rest of the photos and see if any of them do it for you.
Two Degrees of Separation
Sometimes the magic of Christmas isn't immediately obvious from the get-go. But if you're patient enough, you might just find a special surprise waiting for you. "I showed my nard dog tattoo to the old lady who sat behind me at work and explained how much I love The Office," said u/hardcorechim. "She brought this in the next day and gave it to me and said “I don’t watch the show, but my 2nd cousin is Phyllis and she gave me this for Christmas. You should have it!”
You never know who you might run into until they bump right into you. Who knew that there was someone this close to the show with you for so long?
Happy Anniversary
Sometimes Christmas is special to you more than it just being a holiday. For some people, they actually choose to get married on this day as well. This was especially true for u/saviokm on Reddit who wanted to show off their parents' milestone this year. "Christmas Day is also my parent's wedding anniversary, and this is their 42nd one. Happy anniversary, Maj. and Mrs. Mathews!," they exclaimed". Happy anniversary and a Merry Christmas, indeed.
It must be so nice to be married on Christmas. Then you get presents for both events all at the same time! Oh, and of course, you get to be with your favorite person on a truly special day.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
What's nicer than receiving gifts on Christmas? The looks on the faces of young children as dozens of Santa's storm into their hospital windows to deliver gifts. Yes, you heard that right. According to user dob_bobbs on Reddit, "Belgrade's University Children's Hospital is off-limits to visitors due to COVID restrictions, but the Mountain Rescue Service made sure kids spending Christmas in hospital got their presents anyway". That has to be the sweetest thing we've ever heard.
How many kids do you think weren't expecting to be able to have visitors and gifts this year? What we wouldn't do to be one of those Santas right now.
Bad Habits Become Great Fortunes
A lot of people choose to ditch their bad habits for their new year's resolution. One man who used to smoke a lot wanted to ditch the expensive habit and it truly paid off later that year around Christmas time. "I quit drinking in July, and with the money I've saved, I've been able to splurge more on Christmas this year.," said u/dahhhkness. "Here's the treats my family will wake up to tomorrow."
That's honestly incredible. We knew smoking was expensive, but to be able to afford all of that just from quitting for a few months is already nuts. And you know he didn't spend all of it at once.
Reduce Reuse Replant
There are a lot of things you can do to help out the community during Christmas. For one, you can try to do something similar to them. According to the post, these two "entrepreneurs started a side hustle renting Christmas trees to reduce the number that ends up in landfills. Every January, they replant your tree back on their farm so you can rent it again next Christmas. When your tree hits 7 ft, it's retired and planted back in its original forest."
Things like this are really amazing! Being able to replant the tree you use to decorate for Christmas can really help save the environment. We should open up more sites like this for sure.
Serving up Some Holiday Cheer
But you don't have to be saving the environment to be doing something good on Christmas. There are plenty of other opportunities for those who want to spend their time making others feel like this Christmas is something special. For example, every Christmas, Alice Cooper serves hundreds of children who are in need of free meals at his restaurant. If more people could be like him we might make the world a better place.
It all starts with you, though. We need to be the people who bring that change. Hopefully, some of these pictures have left you inspired for the next year's Christmas.
Free Toys for Everyone
And Alice Cooper isn't the only one doing something special for the kids this Winter. According to Reddit user GlendaM94062232, "Mike Sullivan and his wife, Sierra, have been married for fifty years. Ten years ago, they built a small woodworking shop in their home and started making toys as a hobby. This Christmas, they've given away 1,400 free toys to kids across America." That is truly some incredible work right there.
So what are you waiting for? Experience the gift of giving today and make some people who would otherwise be having a bad Christmas feel special this year as well.