With the holidays upon us, it’s time for all things warm and cozy. Snuggling under big blankets and our kids asking every 17 minutes for cups of hot cocoa — it’s a hot chocolate fact — become the new norm. But let’s not forget the small things that make us feel big and warm in our hearts: ’Tis the season for random acts of kindness. A recent poll reveals that Americans feel better when they give or receive, and during the holidays 93% of Americans reported having done a kindness for another like complimenting someone or saying hi to a stranger. However, good deed-doers don’t need to be restricted to the individual, because spreading kindness can be a family thing, too.
Laurel Sims-Stewart, a counselor who works with children and adults, says when it comes to giving, our kids look to parents and caregivers not only to care for them, but as examples for relationships. “By emphasizing kindness, both by modeling it for our kids and participating with them, we’re directly contributing to their foundational understanding of how we treat others and ourselves,” Sims-Stewart says. It’s through our words and actions that our kiddos see how much we value kindness and implement this goodwill on a daily basis.
If you’re looking to bring more kindness into the world, Sims-Stewart suggests having a family meeting to discuss what you can do, saying, “Families may want to collaborate on a conversation about kindness in conjunction with other values they hold, such as care for the environment or inclusion.” This can then lead to ideas like volunteering at local organizations or helping a neighbor with trash day. So, here to inspire you this holiday season are nine acts of kindness you and your family can to together.
You’ve heard it said, “It’s the little things that count.” And this is true when it comes to those perceived “tiny” acts of kindness. A survey revealed 68% of people had recently held the door open for a stranger, and it’s this kind of small act that supports both parties in feeling good. Keep it simple, and leave a drawing for your neighbor in their mailbox, pick up trash in a neighborhood park, or return a shopper’s cart to the queue for them.
Donating old clothes or used books to your favorite charitable organization is a great way to support your community. Take an afternoon together and go through closets and bookshelves to find those outgrown sweaters and picture books. Next, take a mini road trip and drop the stuff off at organizations like Goodwill, Dress for Success, or Make-A-Wish foundations. These places have specific drop-off points and times listed on their websites. Donating your unused items fosters generosity while also promoting sustainability — and brings joy to others in the process.
Sending holiday thank you notes has more benefits than there are “drummers drumming” — to quote the popular holiday song. Supporting communication, writing skills, creativity, and feelings of appreciation are only a few of the “bennies” you and your kiddos can experience. THEN, when your friend opens their homemade or store-bought card, positive emotions soar and well … it just makes a person feel good. Set aside time to show you care and write out (or draw) “thank you for being you” cards for family members, neighborhood firefighters or other first responders, nursing home residents — anyone you’d like to show a little appreciation!
That last-minute birthday party gift or those socks you ordered for your growing tween show up like magic on your doorstep. Delivery volume continues to increase, with Amazon shipping approximately 5.9 billion packages in 2023, and let’s not forget UPS and our local mail carriers. Add in the holidays, and it’s a lot of hard work for those delivery drivers. So, for those who make our lives less hectic, leave a little kindness at your front door or mailbox with some homemade goodies, fresh flowers, pre-packaged snacks, or a to-go mug full of warm coffee.
Seems simple and like no big deal, but have you ever watched your kid’s eyes glaze over while you’re talking (about interesting things like vegetables and personal hygiene)? A survey reveals that 62% of kids feel their parents are too distracted to listen, so tuning in is a big deal. Listening is a skill that requires focus, patience, and daily practice, according to Psychology Today. So, give the gift of kindness by asking a question and truly taking in the response. Listening to family, friends, and classmates invites deeper levels of trust and feelings of value into your relationships — making everyone’s day merry and bright.
The innate kindness in volunteering provides help and connection to your community while bringing new perspectives and empathy to those who volunteer. No task is too small when it comes to donating your time and skillset. Take a morning to talk to your family and ask them what organizations they’d like to support — local animal shelters, nursing homes, and park services all have space for people ready to jump in and be of service. (You can find local volunteer opportunities, no matter where in the U.S. you live, here.)
While Muffin’s “FaceyTalk” call with Bluey and Bingo may not have gone well on the #1 most-watched show in America in 2024, Bluey, taking time to video chat with grandparents (or fantastic friends) makes a difference. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 82% of grandparents said they enjoy video chats with the youngest generation very much. Video calls help build closer relationships even if your kids are simply reading bedtime stories to their grandparents. This kindness lets grandma and grandpa know they remain an important part of the family, especially when you live five states away.
Local and national children’s hospitals like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital accept gifts of toys for their patients. For older kids, talk to them and explain where their unused toys are going, so they understand the magnitude of their gift. If your child’s toys are too loved, small (or large) purchases during your next Target run can give your family a kindness project in picking out a new toy. Hard plastic toys, craft books, and educational toys are great when donating.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is leaving quarters for unsuspecting guests at toy vending machines in grocery stores or shopping malls. Create a small sign saying something like “Happy Holidays: One Per Customer” and place both the sign and coins together near the vending machines. (We like an index card for this and a small stack of change.) Using kindness to foster the gift of surprise — along with a tiny trinket — is a gift that keeps on giving.
UCLA researchers have discovered that kindness is contagious, so find your favorite way to spread a little joy and grace this holiday season. Your one act of kindness might just cause a “ripple effect” that uplifts many. And if you’re looking for the best way to encourage kindness, Sims-Stewart says it starts with you. “The number one way to encourage kindness in our homes is by making it a central part of our everyday interactions,” Sims-Stewart says. “This can go a long way in helping our kids learn to do the same for others.”
