The holidays are among us, and it is my favorite time of year. A time where we celebrate love, giving, peace on Earth and goodwill to men!
So how can you be extra kind this Holiday Season???
Well, there are a million and one ways!!!
But, because I know we are all busy little elfs, I have narrowed it down to 25 ways to promote kindness at Christmas (and in no particular order):
1. Visit your family.
(OR if you are like me, and can't make the trip because of work and distance, at least make the phone call. Your family loves you and misses you!)
2. Visit your local Nursing Home.
It has been my dream to one day hold a sock and blanket drive for the local nursing home in my area, and maybe I will get that chance next year. But honestly, a lot of the residents don't have family or friends to come and visit them. You could really make their season bright by coming in just to visit, reading a book, or bring them a little holiday cheer!
3. Donate a toy, or two, or 3....
Salvation Army has the Angel Tree Program
There is also the well known Toys for Tots Program
Also, many churches and community organizations that collect gifts to help every child in need have a merry Christmas!
4. Send Cards to Family and Friends.
With more and more communication via electronic devices, a lot of us don't really receive a lot of fun in the mail anymore. It is always nice to open the mailbox and find something other than bills. Make someone's day with a little Holiday cheer in a colorful card!
5. Take some Cookies to a Fire Station or Police Station.
Who doesn't love Christmas Cookies? And these people put their lives on the line daily for us; they deserve a little extra love around the Holidays!
6. Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee, (or food).
It may seem like a small gesture, but it is always an amazing feeling to feel cared for by a stranger. Plus, free coffee (or food) is the best!
7. Send a Soldier a letter.
This week, I am hosting a Christmas Cards for Soldiers party. I have invited each guest to bring at least one box of cards, and together we will set down and sign them all and then mail them to Operation Gratitude so that they can be sent to soldiers for the Holidays!
Want to send you own letters or cards?
Here is the website to Operation Gratitude for more info:
8. Thank your neighbor.
Maybe they have watched your house for you while you are out of town. Maybe they have helped carpool your kids to and from school. Maybe they have been there for you in hard times. Whatever the case, if you have good neighbors, the Holidays is a nice time to show you care.
Invite them to dinner, pamper them with a gift, or help them with some yard work!
Love thy neighbor.
9. Pay one compliment to one stranger on each day that is left in December.
Okay, I realize that this will put you a little out of your comfort zone. However, with all that is going on in the world around us, I think it is time that people start opening up to one another and seeing the good. Take the time to notice something nice in someone else and share it with them.
10. Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
If you know me, this is a big one. I am not a fan of litter bugs at all.
This Christmas Season help your neighborhood decorations look even more splendid by removing all the trash for the walkways and neighbors yards.
11. Donate food or time to a Food Pantry.
This Christmas, let us make sure no one goes hungry.
12. Pay someone's toll.
This one always makes me smile. And it is so easy!
13. Offer a complimentary babysitting night for your friends so they can get their Christmas Shopping done, or just relax! Being a parent is hard work. Sometimes you need a break.
14. Make goodie bags to bring to employees who have to work this Holiday Season.
Nobody wants to work on the Holidays, but there are many professions where people still have to. Make them feel appreciated by bringing little bags of candies, or other small trinkets of appreciation to their work place!
15. Deliver hot cocoa to a cold neighborhood that could use it.
A box of hot chocolate is about $1.00. With $15-$20, you could warm a lot of hearts this holiday season.
16. Hide gift cards in Library books.
It doesn't have to be much. My favorite is $5 giftcards to Starbucks. But it is fun, and the people who find it will surely be excited!
17. Volunteer or Donate to an Animal Shelter.
Let's not forget our furry friends this Christmas. Look up your local shelter and see what items they need, or donate your time to help walk the dogs. My son can't wait until he turns 12 so that he can volunteer at our shelter!
18. Contact your local Children's Hospital and see what you can do to help!
Maybe you can donate toys. Maybe you can read to the children. Maybe you can just donate money to help aid a family in need of medical care that can't afford it. But remember the children who have to spend their Christmas in the hospital. Let us do our best to spread the Holiday cheer to them.
19. Donate blankets or coats to a homeless shelter.
Winter can be cold and brutal if you have nothing. Everyone deserves to stay warm. Have some gently used blankets or jackets? Donate them to your local homeless shelter to help those in need out this winter.
20. Donate Baby Items to Mothers in Need.
Ongoing expenses like diapers, wipes, clothing and formula can really put a strain on families in need. Offer these families a little hope and encouragement this Christmas with offering them a gift for that new baby!
Don't know anyone who has a new baby, but still want to help? Look up your local "Hope Pregnancy Center," or "Crisis Pregnancy Center," and find out how to donate!
21. Give Blood.
Save someone's life.
22. Put together "Salon Kits" to donate to the local Women's Shelter.
Make little baggies with small things like fingernail polish, lotions, and other items to make these ladies feel pampered for the Holidays. They have been through a lot, and it will make them feel good to be thought of at Christmas time.
23. Donate to your favorite Charity.
We each have our favorite. It's hard to say which one is mine, but I always try to give to
St. Jude Children's Hospital when I can.
24. Forgive.
Let go of the anger, let go of the past. Start over. Make your life more joyful. You deserve it.
25. Say a prayer, have a moment of silence, or hope for peace.
The more positivity we put out there, the greater chance we have to change the world for the better.
So, how will you be kind this holiday season?
I hope I gave you some good ideas, and I hope you and all of your loved ones have a safe and Merry Christmas!
Be Kind,
Kelly Airhart
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