November and December always get me thinking about serving others. I try to find ways to serve and help my children learn to give of themselves thoughout the year, but I'm especially conscious of it during the holiday season. So, here's 10 kindnesses that I've been the recipient of, that I've given, or that I'd like to do.
Free babysitting
This falls under all three of my categories. There was a time in our lives when hubby was working out of town, coming home every other weekend, and we had 4 little ones 6 and under. Two teenage girls from church offered to watch the kids for a few hours each week so I could get out of the house by myself to go grocery shopping, watch the ducks at the park, see a movie, whatever. I found myself looking forward to those days to keep myself sane.
I've always thought it would be fun to do a shift ringing a bell with my kids. I'm planning to start this tradition this year!
Pay at the drive-thru
This is another one that I'd love to do. Pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru.
This is one of my favorite Christmas books and a favorite tradition. We keep a jar on the kitchen counter and collect change throughout the year. Sometime during the week preceding Christmas we secretly deliver the jar to someone in need.
AnySoldier.com
Last year we discovered the program at anysoldier.com. You mail letters or care packages to a serviceman or woman that has volunteered with the program to distribute these to members of their unit that don't often receive mail. We opted to send as much beef jerky as we could cram into a box, as well as a few Christmas cards. We never heard back from any recipients, but I'd like to think we made their day a little brighter.
Christmas Caroling
What is the Christmas season without caroling? When I was growing up, my aunts used to take us around to our neighbors on Christmas Eve (probably to give Santa some gift-wrapping time). We'd be all bundled up and sing a couple of songs before moving on to the next house. Finish it off with some hot cocoa and you have a perfect service.
Volunteer
There are so many volunteer opportunities in any community. Find one and give a few hours of yourself. Maybe you serve food at a homeless shelter, help at an animal shelter, or read to kids at a local elementary school. Even just picking up trash at a local park is a great service.
Tape Quarters to a Gumball or Vending Machine
Who wouldn't love to find a random surprise?
Smile
Anywhere you go, there's probably someone that could use a little cheering up. A happy face can turn someone's day around.
Teachers invest so much for their students. Letting them know they are appreciated makes their day. A simple note or a treat or a gift card or whatever. I truly believe this is an instance of "it's the thought that counts."
What other great ideas do you have? I'd love to see them!
3 comments:
Love your list, especially saying thank you to a teacher. Stopping by from Tuesday 10 and loving your blog! :-)
Ooops....meant to add that I'm now following GFC Trinity B. :-)
Stopping by from the link up! I love the idea of a Christmas jar. What great idea!!
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