by Donna McBride
Ready or not, the holidays are here! There is always so much to do, whether its preparing for family visits, narrowing down on the shopping list or getting those decorations out and put up.
It can be a stressful time for everyone. Perhaps this is the year your family can start a new tradition that will bring you closer together for the true spirit of what the holidays is all about.
It seems the world wants more “kindness.” And, yes, we need it. Now more than ever. Why not let it start with you – and your family. Random acts of kindness can be a gift all year long and certainly don’t have to cost a great deal – or anything at all.
When our boys were young, we would take them to select a Christmas Angel on the tree at our local mall. They would look for a child that was close to their age and had something on their list that our boys had on theirs. They would “give up” their toy and become a Christmas Angel. They learned the value of sharing and understanding the gift of giving. And while they never met those children, they knew them in their heart.
Here’s a few other ideas to get you started. Whether it is with your children, grandchildren, friends or co-workers – let this be the year kindness starts with you!
- Write thoughtful notes and leave them in public places like library, community center, neighborhood bulletin boards.
- Make holiday cards and send to nursing homes, hospitals or veterans centers.
- It doesn’t cost anything to volunteer. The Salvation Army is a great way to help out those in need.
- Surprise someone with $5 gift card for coffee, hot chocolate or simply pay for the person’s item that is behind you in the drive-thru line.
- Make it a goal to smile and greet at least one person you don’t know daily for a week.
- Have “Santa” make some special house calls to some of your friends or family.
- Have some warm clothes you need to get rid of? Drop them off at a local church, nonprofit or family in need.
- Have an elderly neighbor that can’t put up decorations? Offer to share a few of yours, and put them up in your neighbor’s yard.
- Leave a basket of drinks/snacks on your porch for your delivery folks.
- Organize a Christmas Caroling night with your family and friends. Walk through your neighborhood or retirement community singing. What a great way to get in the spirit.
