Holiday Challenge

It’s the first day of December, you know what that means!!??!? It’s the holiday season (cue catchy Christmas music). It’s a time of giving and it can easily become overwhelming. Just today I heard a co-worker ask when payday was because ‘holiday spending’ has already left her wallet empty.

Giving doesn’t have to cost money or be a grand gesture. You can give your time or expertise and I think it’s the simple gestures, when least expected, that leaves an impression. With this in mind, a friend created 25 days of Random Acts of Kindness for this month. I loved the concept so much I wanted to share it with you.

Take a look at what she’s created and feel free to join in and make it your own. I hope you’ll find the joys of giving this holiday season.

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3 Simple Rules for Building Your Own List…

1. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail so take some time to reflect, identify your list, and gather supplies ahead of time. Google and Pinterest are amazing resources for this…especially when involving kids.

2. Focus on small acts. This doesn’t have to break the bank and sometimes gifts without monetary value, have the most value. Also- explore the $1 aisle at Target and the Dollar tree for some great finds!

3. Integrate it into your current life routine. Think about the people you interact with on a daily basis, and more importantly think about the people who make your life easier that you don’t interact with directly. Aka office cleaning crews, mail man, bus drivers, ticket takers, kitchen cooks, kid’s coaches, etc.

My List … (In no particular order).

1. Donate 25 items to the ARCADIS canned food drive. CHECK.

2. Pay for someone’s smoothie at LA Fitness & tip the barista.

3. Leave change on Gatorade vending machine at LA Fitness.

4. Leave a gift in my cubicle for cleaning crew.

5. Babysit one night for free.

6. Write a random uplifting letter to a stranger out of the phone book.

7. When asked at the cash register if you’d like to donate to a cause, actually donate. (I’m guilty of always passing this up.)

8. Pay for a stranger’s parking meter.

9. Prepare plastic baggies of hand warmers and life savers to drop off at police station because they are “life savers”.

10. Bring flowers to a random stranger. (Who doesn’t love flowers?)

11. Arrange to have fudge from my Grandpa’s favorite candy store sent to him (he’s 7 hours away and all it takes is a phone call to the owner).

12. Smile at everyone all day.

13. Leave coins/tide pod/dryer sheets in laundry room of my apartment building.

14. Mail an old friend a letter.

15. Clean off the snow of 5 cars (you KNOW this would make your day) – much easier at an apartment complex.

16. Send a care package to a soldier.

17. Leave money with bartender to pay for a strangers drink at the bar once you leave.

18. Leave packages of “Extra” gum in public places to remind people to go the “Extra” mile.

19. Leave mini stockings full of treats for tenants in my building to find on their doors.

20. Volunteer with veterans for an afternoon.

21. Make a clothing donation to Good Will.

22. Leave a candy cane and a compliment card in a public place all day.

23. Post inspiring signs in women’s locker room at LA Fitness.

24. We’re always asked by cashiers at the check out to fill out a survey about their service- this time I’ll actually do it.

25. Tell a manager about the top notch service you just received.