While I believe random acts of kindness should be done all year, it makes my heart happy to see people get in the spirit of giving during the holiday season. People seem more generous and act kinder to one another. Here’s a quick list of things you can do to put a smile on someone’s face. The best part is the majority don’t cost you a penny and only require giving a bit of your time or things you can part with.
- Donate non-perishable foods to a local food pantry.
- Offer to bake cookies for your local Police or Fire Department.
- Leave a card or candy cane on someone’s windshield.
- Donate a toy to Toys for Tots.
- Volunteer at a non-profit.
- Start a “Secret Santa” gift exchange with friends.
- Bake cookies for neighbors.
- “Adopt” an overseas military member or an entire unit for the holidays. Search for organizations or ask friends who know others serving overseas if you can collect donations or send goodies to them.
- Check on elderly neighbors and take a plate of food if they’re alone for the holidays.
- Offer a free night of babysitting to a parent who is stressed about the holidays.
- Donate to a charity close to your heart. Even a small amount can make a big difference.
- Keep an extra blanket or coat and small bag of toiletries and snacks in your car for the homeless.
- Give a retail worker a candy cane or lottery ticket.
- Shovel and salt an elderly neighbor’s walkway when it snows.
- Donate food, toys, or blankets to your local animal shelter.
- Make hot chocolate for people working outside in the cold like mailmen, construction workers, police officers, and those who take your garbage.
- Donate gently used clothing and coats.
- Put a Christmas-themed lottery ticket in a Redbox dvd case to bring a smile to the next person who rents it.
- Contact your local National Guard and ask if you can donate food for their holiday party. I bake cookies for an entire unit every year.
Can you think of any other ways to spread Christmas cheer or help those in need?