Random Acts of Holiday (and Everyday) Kindness
Posted: Sunday, December 07, 2008
by Val Silver
TapInfinity
Perhaps like me, it's been a while since you've heard about random acts of kindness. The holidays are the perfect time to revive this practice. As everyone is rushing around doing all the wonderful activities that constitute this time of year, it's easy to forget that the most memorable and meaningful gifts we can give are often easy and free.
- Let that car squeeze in front of you. And maybe another. (But not too many so the driver behind you doesn't get upset!) Likewise, let that harried shopper step in front.
- Smile at the mother with the screaming children at the mall. Better yet, baby sit for someone else so s/he can have a few hours of quiet shopping.
- Smile and offer a friendly word to the cashier after waiting twenty minutes in line.
- Take a break from your frenzied activity and read a Christmas story to your children.
- Ditto for your dogs or cats- only they'd prefer you take them for a walk or throw a toy.
- Drop a dollar into the Salvation Army bucket even if you gave somewhere else.
- Bring your neighbors or co-workers some holiday goodies.
- Visit with someone who is alone, or invite him or her over for some holiday cheer.
- Pay the toll for the car behind you.
- Send a card to a soldier overseas. Or send a care package.
- Bring a few dog bones or cat treats to the local shelter.
- Offer a silent blessing to fellow shoppers and drivers as you go your way.
- Buy a gift for an angel tree child.
- Put a love note in your loved one's lunchbox.
Enjoy giving these gifts throughout the year. When the urge to commit a random act strikes, take yourself up on it even if it seems silly or insignificant. You might be amazed by how much you are appreciated. Best of all, you will find that by giving, you receive the greatest gift of all.
Happy Holidays!
Please share your ideas for random acts of holiday kindness in the comments. I'd love to read them.
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More commentsI've already stated my commnet below, good job and one we should all take note of.Thanks for commenting, twice! You're so right.
Val,This is a wonderful write! And very helpful, I might add. Thanks for sharing.
I notice people getting angry and frustrated this time of year. People feel the the stress of the holidays and I always question this. This should be the best time of year. I think people get caught up in the commercial part of Christmas versus the TRUE meaning of Christmas.Yes, I know what you mean. It's a hot topic this time of year. I did write an another article about simple holiday joys. I suppose I ought to publish it!
I agree with your other readers and its good that this very article is promoting good will, kindness and respect to the people and things around us. Let us hope that some of those scrooges out there read this and have a change of heart. Well Written.Thanks for writing Julian. Try sending a blessing to those who seem to least deserve it. I've been doing this for years to people who "cut me off" on the road. (Ok-well I may say some not so nice things first-not that they hear any of it!) Whether it helps them or not, I don't know, but I do find it gives me a quick change of heart towards them.
Dear Val,Wonderful article. I wish everyone had to read it. Perhaps it would make the world a little better. I do give at my church and I bake the cookies the special people in both my business life and personal, but your words have given me more inspiration.Thank you,NancyThanks Nancy,
Sometimes it is the littlest things that can make the biggest difference. And people like me who rarely bake really appreciate those of you who do!
Great article Val,Hope a few random acts of kindness come your way today.
Nicely done Val. I needed that. I think that we all have the ability to be giving people. Sometimes we do need a reminder. So thank you for the reminder. And I pray that you are blessed abundantly by our good Lord, Merry Christmas.P.S. I look forward to more of your articles :)Thank you! Glad to be of service. Happy holidays. PS, who are you?
Love your suggestions - I do practice random kindness - but you highlighted a few areas I don't think of - like when I'm annoyed or waiting - good idea!How did you get bullet points? I'm new and don't see that formatting option? I like the ease of reading through it - thanks! Good Fortune, CherylHi Cheryl, thanks for writing. I'm rather new myself, welcome!
The bullet option is on the toolbar on the right side. I use the new editor, not sure it's on the old one. Good luck!
I agree,kindness should be an everyday thing, not just special occasions. Why do we find it so hard to just be nice to each other? Everything is about me, me, me, how about us, us, us? If we could just give each other a moment there would be less problems. I know it sounds like a dream, but hey, everything starts from a dream!Hi Ansaar, I think you answered your question very nicely! It's about me and that's exactly the person who can make the dream a reality, one little speck in the world at a time. Thanks for writing.
Hi Val- You know what? I tried this random acts of kindness thing... it works- the smiles and thank yous I got made me feel really good! What comes around goes around........Thanks- Always- EllaThanks for commenting Ella. Yes, giving these little gifts feels really good. Val
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