10 Ways to Practice Holiday Kindness

This year it seems we need more kindness than ever. The world has gone crazy and most people aren’t very kind at all. In fact, I saw a bell ringer the day before Thanksgiving that was sitting in a chair barely ringing the bell. I thought, what happened to the people that are normally out here happy and enthusiastic about what they are doing? 

Now, maybe he was just having a bad day but it made me think for days. He pretty much looked like the world feels. Like he knew he wasn’t going to get any donations or anyone being nice to him. So this holiday season I thought I would give you 10 ways to practice and spread a little holiday kindness. 

1. Take a meal to a neighbor

Is there a neighbor in your neighborhood that could use a little help? Maybe you could make a meal for them and take it over. It could be new parents, an elderly person, someone on their own, or just to give someone a day off cooking. I promise everyone will enjoy that.

2. Offer to Babysit

This time of the year parents are overwhelmed. They have so much going on and could use a break. So offer to babysit. Whether it is for a night out or maybe an afternoon without the kids so they can do the Christmas shopping. Maybe that new mom just needs someone to sit with the baby so she can take a nap. Whatever it is, make the offer. 

3. Deliver Gifts to a Local Children’s Hospital

Having a sick child during the holidays is already a strain. The family as well as the child is stressed out. They miss out on so much. So why not buy a few small gifts and take them to the local children’s hospital. If you don’t have a children’s hospital you can take some to the pediatrics floor of any hospital. Call and ask what you are allowed to bring or do to help make their stay easier.

Not sure about giving gifts to patients? Deliver some gifts to the staff. They are overworked heroes who don’t get holidays off. 

4. Pay for the Person Behind You

Whether it is at the coffee shop, the fast food line, or the grocery store just pay for their order. Of course in the grocery store you have to wait until they check out in order to do this. Whenever I am going to pay for the person behind me at the grocery store I go in and buy a few gift cards ahead of time. 

I just hand the gift cards to the person in line and tell them to use them for their groceries and to have a good day. At the coffee shop or restaurant I just say I want to pay for the person behind me too. 

5. Volunteer 

This is a pretty easy one. Just take the time to volunteer somewhere. It could be at the food pantry handing out food, maybe the animal shelter or even the homeless shelter. It doesn’t matter where you volunteer or what you do to volunteer just that you get out there and do it. You will be surprised how good it will make you feel as well as the huge difference it can make in someone’s life. 

6. Call An Old Friend 

Take a few minutes to call an old friend that hasn’t heard from you in a while. Check in with them and let them know that you are thinking about them. You never know the difference you can make in someone’s life. My younger brother found an employee asleep at work. The kid was just standing there asleep and rather than yell he spoke to him quietly. It was pouring rain and they stood there just talking about nothing, watching the rain. That was it. 

Later, when the kid turned in his resignation he wrote about how much my brother had helped him. How he was at the end of his rope and ready to end things but my brother standing there talking to him about nothing in general made him feel needed. He went and got help the next day and was leaving for a better position but would always be thankful for the care my brother showed. Sometimes people just need someone to reach and show they care in the simplest of ways.

7. Compliment Random People

This goes back to the story above. You never know how it could affect people. I read a story about two little girls during covid that shouted compliments at people as they walked passed. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. They just wanted to make people feel good.  It worked as well and honestly it is a lesson we all could learn.

8. Serve Hot Cocoa or Coffee to the Homeless 

The homeless could use a little extra kindness this time of the year. So take a day or evening and serve hot cocoa or coffee to them. It will not only warm them up but also let them know someone is thinking about them. If you aren’t sure how to go about that, inquire at the local shelter or other places that aid them.

9. Buy Christmas Gifts for a Family in Need 

Have you ever seen those trees in the mall with cards on them? Those are the Angel Trees and listed on those cards are families that need help with gifts during Christmas. It doesn’t give their names but you sign up for one and then purchase gifts for those on the card. You bring the gifts back and they get them. If your town doesn’t have one ask a local church how you can help, most have programs. 

Of course you may know a family that needs help. We usually buy for a family we have heard of or know. Buy some gifts and then leave them on their porch. Yep we do the knock and dash. We want them to be surprised and not feel as though they need to thank us or feel as though they can’t accept them. Pride can be a strong thing. 

10. Just Be Nice to People

This one is pretty simple. Just be nice this holiday season. If someone is coming in behind you, hold the door open for them. If someone holds the door open for you, say thank you. Smile even on the days you don’t feel like it. Ask the cashier how they are doing. Wave at a random person as you walk down the street or drive by. It may be just the thing they need today.