Simple Acts of Kindness to Do Over the Holidays

Around the holidays (and all year round), one of the most important things that you can do is spread kindness. Here are a few ways in which you can bring joy to those around you this season.

Without being asked, do a chore for a loved one or family member.
Hold open the door for the person behind you.
If you're making holiday cookies this year, make an extra batch and bring them to a local nursing home.
Send a letter to a family member that can't make it home for the holidays.
If you can afford it, pick up a few extra items at the grocery store and donate them to a local food bank.
Offer to babysit for free so a family member or neighbor can have a night out.
If you can, foster a dog or cat from a local shelter over the holidays. This is one of their busiest times of the year.
Pay for a stranger's cup of coffee, bus fare or even their groceries.
Spread some cheer at work by bringing in a special snack to share.
Buy a toy and give it to a local toy drive.
Clean out your closet and donate your old coats, boots, sweaters and other warm items and donate them to a local charity that helps the homeless.
Remember to send thank you notes this season.
Let people merge into traffic.
Give someone a sincere compliment.
Walk the shopping cart back to the store.