I was
talking with my family last week about a cool idea I read on a blog—a ‘paying
it forward’ sort of thing. The idea is to either decide on acts of kindness to
do each day for a couple weeks leading up to Christmas, or to let a situation
present itself each day, and to follow through to show another human being
extra kindness in this season.
Sometimes I
struggle with feeling ‘Grinchy’ during the holidays. I want the holidays to be
meaningful, but what does that mean
and how do I do it? I often become too
focused on my wants, my agenda, my to-do list, the next place I have to be, and
on and on. I feel overwhelmed and unable to enjoy the season. I want my kids to
experience the joy of giving to others, but I have to set that example. How do
I even start?
The premise
is simple. Seek out ways to give freely to others, often strangers, this
holiday season. One of the ideas I read
was to buy a gift card to the store that you’re in when you check out—it can be
just $5—and then either give it to someone as you’re leaving the store or stick
it under someone’s windshield wiper.
How cool would that be? What about
this—pay for the person behind you in the coffee shop line. Tip the barista
extra big. Spend time with an elderly neighbor who craves company. Bake cookies
and leave them on someone’s doorstep with a note. Handwrite a note to someone
who meant a lot to you growing up and tell them.
Teach a child something you wish someone
had taught you (or did teach you) when you were a kid. Donate stuff you don’t want or need to a
local charity. Donate food to a food pantry. Shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk
after a snow. Babysit for a single mom
or dad. Hide quarters in a vending machine change slot. Compliment people
freely. Wish the driver who cut you off well. Let go of a grudge.
I’m on a
roll but also out of space. We plan to brainstorm ideas and make a list.
Getting stuff isn’t just what a good life is made of, it’s being good to each
other however we can. Merry Christmas!
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