The holidays are such a busy, and sometimes stressful time for a lot of people. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle and forget what the season is really about. I want to teach The Twincesses to be kind people, and what better time than Christmas to lead by example! If you’re looking to bring a smile to someone’s face, I’ve got 10 ways you can spread cheer this holiday season!
1.When you’re out at the mall and see a Salvation Army volunteer taking donations, grab them a coffee and donate a few dollars! They are doing such a kind thing standing there all day, taking donations for the less fortunate, and that can’t be easy.
2.Take your kids to a toy store and have them pick out a toy to donate to a child in need this Christmas! There are many organizations that accept gifts, and money to help ensure that less fortunate kids still receive gifts for Christmas.
3.Do something kind for a neighbor! You could shovel their walkway, bring them some Christmas baking, invite them over for dinner…etc. It’s a great way to show your neighbor that you care for and appreciate them.
4.Go through your things, and donate gently used clothing and items you no longer use/need to a local women’s, or homeless shelter. We do this at our house several times a year, it’s a great way to de-clutter, while also helping out a local place in need.
5.Be a secret Santa to a co-worker or friend in need of a little extra cheer! The holidays can be really difficult for some people, so leave a nice card with a little trinket on a co-workers desk, or in a friend’s mailbox. You could leave chocolates, a coffee card, flowers, anything as big or little as you want, but don’t let on that it was you, as you don’t want to add any pressure on the person to reciprocate, plus a little mystery makes things extra fun!
6.Pay it forward. When you’re in the drive thru grabbing a coffee or a quick meal, pay for the order of the person in line behind you! I love when it becomes a pay it forward chain and that car ends up paying for the car behind them, and so on!
7.Send a personal holiday card to a friend or family member who lives far away. Even if you don’t typically send out holiday cards, do it! Receiving letter and cards during the holidays is extra special, and a nice reminder to those living long distance that they’re still thought about, and cared for.
8.Do something helpful without being asked. Has there been a project around the house or chore that you’ve been avoiding? Do it! Did you wake up early, while the rest of the family is still asleep? Make everyone breakfast! I love it when Hubby does the dishes or washes my car for me without my asking him to! The simple things are the best!
9.Do something kind for a stranger. This can be anything from complimenting them, holding a door open, helping someone carry their groceries, or giving directions to someone who is lost…etc
10.Help a family member or friend out. Does your grandma need a ride to an appointment? Your friend need help with her Christmas baking or shopping? Help them! Bonus, you get to spend some quality time together while getting stuff done!
I hope this list helps inspire you to spread kindness, remember, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” -Aesop
What have you done lately to spread some cheer? And have you been the recipient of a sweet holiday gesture? Let me know in the comments!
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
I love the idea of doing something kind for a stranger! These are all amazing ideas, especially grabbing a coffee for a Salvation Army bell ringer! They need it in this cold weather!
Okay, first of all those Santa pictures are so cute, love the truck! Secondly, I love these ideas! My kids love putting money in the red kettles during the holidays. 🙂
The pay it forward idea is always my favorite. You never know what stranger you’re seriously blessing for this holiday!
Love all of these ideas! Especially during the holidays because I always try to remember that not everyone is having a great holiday season and could use a little bit of kindness!
This is a really great list. I love Pay It Forward chains, too! I sent out a Christmas card this year and I think I want to do it every year! It definitely gets me in the spirit 🙂
I love these ideas, Samantha! It’s better to give than receive!! We put together our Operation Christmas shoe boxes this year…we always enjoying filling those boxes with gifts for children around the world!
These are such great tips! And those photos are so adorable!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I love the idea of being a Secret Santa for a friend or family member- such a simple, sweet gesture that will really have a big impact during the holiday season!
I love this list! There are so many great ideas to start your kids young about the true meaning of the Christmas season!
We all get so busy during the Holidays. These are great reminders of the simple things we can do for each other to bring cheer and joy for the holidays. Thanks!
Love these ideas! We’ve been trying to focus more on giving than getting this Christmas, and I love serving others with my kids. They get so much joy from picking things out to donate, it’s fun!
This is such a great list. We’ve just now started talking/doing some of these things with our 3.5 year old. We regularly donate gently used clothes that get outgrown & pair down toys when we feel we get a little too much clutter happening. It only takes small acts for them to really grasp the ideas at this age.