10 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: CHRISTMAS EDITION
We’ve been talking about giving all month, and random acts of kindness is no exception. The holidays are a great excuse to be kind to all kinds of people in your community. Kindness increases our happiness, energy levels, confidence, reduces stress, and improves our mood. Oftentimes, when you show kindness to others, they are more likely to show kindness to people as well. Random acts of kindness can truly make the world go round! Be kind this season and check out our top 10 ideas below.
1. Bake cookies with a neighbor or coworker
While the holiday season is a sweet time for many, there are always people that feel extra lonely or sad during this time. Without a strong community or family dynamic, the holidays can accentuate loneliness. Use the festive season to reach out to a neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance and invite them to make Christmas cookies together.
2. Grab a group of friends and sing carols at a nursing home
We love what Buddy the Elf says about Christmas cheer: sing loud for all to hear! While caroling can sometimes feel a little awkward, singing at a nursing home can brighten up a residents day. After you’re done, make friends by passing out candy canes or playing a card game with the residents.
3. Make a coffee cake and bring it in to work for breakfast (Monday morning!)
What better way to show up to work on a Monday morning than to find a yummy breakfast waiting for you? Make a blueberry lemon glazed loaf, eggnog bread, or a cranberry bread to fit the season!
4. Buy a nice coat, gloves, socks, undergarments, boots, or a hat, and bring it to a homeless shelter
Of course, donating what you already have is always appreciated, but consider splurging on high quality winter gear. Winter is a difficult season for those without homes, so show a stranger how much you care by getting high quality clothes.
5. Write a note to a loved one and share why they bring you Christmas cheer
There’s no need to put a lot of pressure on yourself by getting gifts for a lot of people. Write little notes to friends, family, coworkers, and anyone you appreciate--let them know that you are thankful for them!
6. Make buckeyes and bring it to your neighbors
Buckeyes are a holiday classic, and for good reason: the yummy peanut butter + chocolate candies are delicious and the perfect treat for anyone and everyone! It can be easy to wave “hello” to your neighbors every day without truly getting to know them. Hand deliver homemade buckeyes and use that as an opportunity to get to know each other a little better!
7. Buy coffee for the person in line behind you
While you’re running off to get your morning eggnog latte, spread the Christmas cheer by paying for the person in line behind you. Oftentimes, this will start a trend where they will pass on the favor!
8. Wake up early and scrape off your roommate, partner, or neighbors car
If you’ve ever parked outside, everyone knows that the worst feeling is walking outside in the cold and realizing you need to scrape off your car. Be a kind roommate or neighbor and wake up extra early one morning and scrape off their car, too.
9. Take a bunch of toys to a children’s hospital and hand them out to sick kids
There’s no need to go crazy on expensive toys, go to a Walmart or Dollar Tree and find little toys, clothes, and stuffed animals that could use some lovin’. Check with a local children’s hospital and find a good time to come in. Visit with sick children and bring them toys!
10. Bring a hot drink to people working outside like construction workers or police officers
See people down the road working outside? Bring coffee or hot cocoa over and share a hot drink with them! Help brighten up a miserable or cold day with a warm drink.