Simple gifts cost you something other than money, and sometimes we’d rather just pick up a gift card or give $20 than spend a few minutes with someone or creating something, or step out of our comfort zone, or insert ourselves into someone else’s space. But simple gifts are simply powerful, especially in this season.
It’s been a contentious few months in our nation, friends. Let’s commit to turning the page and practice some Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. You don’t have to do all these things on the particular day listed below, but you will find something there that you can do. Go out of your way to be kind and to let your Christ-light shine.
December 1 Make a card for a soldier
December 2 Pick up litter
December 3 Make cookies for a neighbor
December 4 Donate a toy to a charity
December 5 Tell silly jokes to make someone laugh
December 6 Write thank you notes to teachers at your local school
December 7 Donate food to your local food pantry
December 8 Let someone go ahead of you in line
December 9 Talk to someone about what Christmas means to you
December 10 Sing a Christmas Carol
December 11 Deliver candy canes to nursing home workers
December 12 Call someone you have spoken to in a while just to say hello
December 13 Do a chore for someone in your family
December 14 Take supplies to an animal shelter
December 15 Compliment three people
December 16 Take treats to a police or fire station
December 17 Make hug coupons for someone
December 18 Feed the birds
December 19 Pay for a strangers coffee
December 20 Leave a happy note for someone to find
December 21 Color in a color book at a local coffee shop
December 22 Give a treat to the mail carrier
December 23 Smile at everyone you see today
December 24 Do a secret act of kindness for someone
December 25 Read a Christmas story with someone
December 26 Hold the door open for someone
December 27 Leave a happy note in a library book
December 28 Collect socks for a homeless shelter
December 29 Tell someone why you love him or her
December 30 Learn something new
December 31 Make a list of Random Acts you will do in 2017
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!