12 Days of Christmas Kindness

By Emily Tittle

Even before Thanksgiving, it seems like everyone’s lives get so much busier. The holidays bring about a certain hustle and bustle that can be a lot of fun. But it is also important to stop and remember others as Christmas approaches.

My husband and I are trying to teach our boys to care for others. We want them to be grateful for what we have. We want them to see that while not everyone is as fortunate as our family, we can do little things to help show others we care.

So this year, we’ve come up with 12 Days of Christmas Kindness. It will be an intentional effort to model how to be kind and help others. They won’t be able to do all the things on the list just yet, but we also want to show them that mom and dad truly care for others, too.

We’d love it if you’d join us! You don’t have to complete the list in any particular order- or even in 12 consecutive days. Even if you can just do one thing between now and Christmas, you’re making the world a kinder, happier place for someone. 

1. Tell a loved one just how much you care for them. Saying “I love you” is great, but this year, take the time to tell someone why you love them. 
2. Thank a worker in the foodservice industry. Whether it’s a fast food restaurant or grocery store, employees are working long, stressful hours, and unfortunately, often, customers are not kind, or even friendly. Go out of your way to smile and give a true "thank you” for their work.
3. Mail a letter or card to someone you haven’t reached out to in a while. This is a sure way to make someone smile. Plus, snail mail is so rarely used these days- they’ll be completely surprised and likely very appreciative of the gesture!
4. Thank a first responder. Bake cookies, deliver donuts, or simply make a card. It’s a wonderful way to show you care, especially with such a difficult year and a half.
5. Hold the door open for someone. This is so easy to do, even for young kids! 
6. Paint “kindness rocks” and put them out for people to find. My boys love finding these, they always make them smile!
7. Put a book in a little library. Give someone something new to read!
8. Donate to a food shelter. Lots of places are doing food drives this time of year- you’ll likely be able to donate before even leaving the grocery store!
9. Donate new or gently used toys or clothes. There are so many options and you’ll definitely be helping others in need.
10. Donate blood. Not everyone will be able to do this, but it is desperately needed at this time of year. You could save a life by spending an hour of your time. 
11. Give someone a compliment. This is quick, easy and will absolutely brighten someone’s day!
12. Perform a random act of kindness. The sky’s the limit here- if you have kids, encourage them to come up with an idea on their own. You might be surprised at what they want to do!