Tis The Season

For kindness.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that when you're jostling for position in a long line, trudging through snow or slipping across ice, or when you're scrounging for nickels to pay for that last Christmas present. The season of holiday lights, hot chocolate, and family gathered around the table can also be very stressful.

So this year—like last—I'm making a list...of ways I can spread a little kindness this season. Little things *I* can do to make it easier on someone else—my family, my friends, even strangers. The world needs kindness. And this year, I'm going to do my part.

Here are a few ideas I had:

• Bake cookies (with Grandma) and drop a batch off at the local senior's home—or maybe the police station, fire station, or hospital. Retailers aren't the only ones working extra hard over the holiday season. 
• Shovel the neighbour's walk—or for someone else on my street. The weather man says we're in for heavy snowfall this month. That's definitely one way I can help. 
• Buy hot chocolate for the person behind me in the coffee shop line. 
• Take my sister ice skating.
• Help my neighbour put up his Christmas lights. Obviously I won't be climbing on the roof or any ladders, but I can arrange the light-up snowmen and deer on the lawn!
• Smile! It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised what a genuine smile can do during this stressful time of year. 
• Volunteer to wrap presents for local seniors or maybe the children's wing at the hospital. 
• Leave a Christmas card for the mailman in the mail box. 
• Pick up trash at a park and throw it in the garbage.
• Donate some of extra toys, books, or clothes. 

That's not a bad list. Have things to add? Great—we can all brainstorm together and come up with the BEST list. Share your Random Acts of Holiday Kindness in the comments so we can keep the ideas coming.

Gotta Jet! I’m going to start on this list this weekend. See you next Friday!

~ Chase Superman Duffy