‘Tis the season to be Jolly ….. and that Merry time of year when we become so busy preparing for all of the December holidays that we sometimes forget, it is the simple little things that we can do for others that matter the most. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or any other holiday this month, there is no doubt that giving presents will be a part of your festivities. This year while you’re going about your day, why not think out side of the box and challenge yourself to give a little of your time and kindness during this month.
It is often said, “It’s the thought that counts” that’s why we’ve created a list of ways you can thoughtfully give the gift of kindness to someone this holiday season. Showing kindness to others is what people will remember this year. If one act of kindness can change a person’s life, why not challenge yourself to do 25 acts of kindness during the month of December.
25 Ways You Can Give The Gift of Kindness
1| Text or (better yet) call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and let them know that you are thinking about them.
2| Donate a gift (or two) to a toy drive.
3| Give your server a little extra tip.
4| Show courtesy to a stranger. Open a door, let them go before you in a checkout line, etc.
5| Give someone a genuine compliment. You never know how much that can brighten a stranger’s day.
6| Pass out Candy Canes as you go about your day. Leave them on co-workers desks, give them to store clerks, etc.
7| Say “Hello”, smile, and give your attention to friends, acquaintances, and strangers as you go about your day. Your smile can go along way towards brightening up another’s day.
8| Give a handwritten note or card to a person who has inspired you or who goes above and beyond in their daily lives. Your encouragement and acknowledgment may be just what they need to read.
9| Devote just one hour out of this month and give the gift of your time to volunteer in your community. Work at a food bank, volunteer at your children’s school, organize a toy drive. Do something to make a difference.
10| Buy someone a coffee or pay for the person’s coffee behind you in line at your local coffee shop.
11| Clean out your closet or children’s toy box and donate gently used items to a local charity.
12| Give up your seat to someone else waiting (at the DMV, doctor’s office, public transportation, etc.)
13| Bring in soup or dinner for someone who is suffering from an illness.
14| Tape money to a vending machine for the next person.
15| Bake Christmas cookies for your neighbors.
16| Find someone who needs help with a chore and offer your assistance.
17| Let a car merge in front of you in traffic.
18| Hide a happy note in your spouse’s or children’s lunch.
19| Give a small treat to your postal carrier.
20| Give a store coupon to the next person in the checkout line.
21| Promote or give a shout out to a friend’s small business or venture.
22| Collect gently read books and donate them to a local school or charity.
23| Invite someone who has nowhere to go to celebrate the Holidays with you.
24| Offer to babysit for free for someone you know needs a night out.
25| Be kind to yourself and treat yourself to something relaxing or nice. After all, you do need to be kind to yourself.
The giving of kindness doesn’t have to break the bank, it just means paying attention and making others feel special. When you offer your gifts of kindness, the joy you bring others is the best gift you will receive back. So the challenge this month is to see just how many Holiday acts of kindness you can do.
Let me know what other little gifts of kindness you will be doing for others this Holiday season and which ones you did. As always, please give a little gift of kindness and before to “Share”, “Like”, “Tweet”, or “Pin” this article by clicking on the share links below.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza or whichever holiday that you and your family will be celebrating this year.
