It is easy during the frenzied holiday season to forget ourselves a little. There is already so much on our plates. With the holidays also comes a full calendar of activities and plenty of extra to-do list items. We often spend our spare time in this season desperately trying to do as much as we can, even more than we already try to do. And in doing so, we can fall out of touch with the intentions behind our actions at this time of year: to give to and connect with our families, friends, and communities.
“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.” – Henry James
Grounding ourselves in small acts of kindness during the holiday season can help reorient us and remind us of why we are trying to do so much. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a major impact. That impact can be even greater when we include our kids, who can learn so much by doing for others.
Here are 10 small acts of kindness with a big impact:
- Write a surprise thank you
Drafting a quick thank you note (or drawing if your kid is so inclined) can be a great way to spread kindness and gratitude. Keep a pack of post-its or blank cards at the ready for an impromptu thank you. It can be for a friend, neighbor, family member, teacher, bus driver, grocery store cashier, mail person, server, etc. Or have your kid make/help you make a homemade card to express your gratitude in a unique way. - Pay a compliment
A little compliment can brighten someone’s day. More importantly, it can show someone that you are paying attention and notice something commendable about them. - Make your neighborhood more beautiful
On your next walk around your neighborhood, a local trail, or at a local park, bring some gloves and a bag with you to pick up trash that has been left there. If you feel comfortable have your kids help you with the pick-up; or have them help spot trash for you to pick up. - Tell a joke
Laughter can work wonders. Sharing something funny with someone in your life and laughing with them brings a lot of joy. - Pay it forward
One of my favorite things random acts of kindness is to offer to buy the order of the person behind me in line at the drive-thru when I pick up a coffee. Why I love this is it can start a chain reaction of others doing the same, so that one act of kindness becomes many. - Celebrate others
Recognize and celebrate when someone in your life does something well. It can be a family member, friend, or co-worker. Or in your kid’s life like a friend or classmate. Tell that person and others how great they are and how they should be applauded. - Sidewalk chalk inspiration
Take some sidewalk chalk with you on your next walk or trip to the playground. Spend some time with your kids writing a positive message or drawing a fun picture to hopefully brighten someone’s day as they pass by. - Share a homemade snack
Baked goods are certainly one of the ways to my heart, and I do not think I am alone there. Next time you bake some holiday cookies, bread, or some other treat, share the wealth with those around you, like your neighbors or friends. You can even share broader in your community. Think about bringing baked goods to your local police department, fire department, your child’s class, or your child’s school administrator’s office. - Donate your time, a gift, or financially to an organization with a local impact
There are plenty of local, regional, or statewide organizations that do work with direct impact on communities in Central Mass. If there is an issue you really care about (e.g., education, food or housing insecurity, the child welfare/foster care system, etc.), you will likely be able to find an organization that works to target that issue. These organizations may even have special programs around the holidays where you can direct your support. - Share a memory
When old photos pop up in my feed and bring back a memory of a specific moment with a friend or family member, I love to share the photo with that person. I do this a lot with my kids, too. Yes, this brings us together for some nostalgia, but it also allows us to reflect. On just how quickly time can pass and to remind us to enjoy our moments together.
