A minimum of 24 acts of kindness will make my holidays merrier

In a world where we’re constantly reminded to put ourselves first, it’s even more important that around the holidays we spread the love outward and put others before ourselves. We’ve all heard of doing random acts of kindness, but have you heard of RACK? RACK stands for Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. This version is a Christmas countdown that will encourage non-Scroooge adults and children to give, serve and help others throughout the holiday season. And if you’re thinking you just don’t have any more time to add one more thing to your already busy schedule, think again. This is such a simple activity and it will help us all experience the true meaning of this glorious season – 24 fold.
Put together twenty-four envelopes and within each envelope have an act of kindness activity written on a piece of paper. The night before, pull out the next day’s activity and talk with your family about what you’re going to do. There is an endless list of activity ideas from which to choose and my 24 are listed below.
As you complete each act of kindness the Christmas Spirit will grow a little stronger inside you heart and the love and compassion offered during the holiday season will make yours so very much brighter.
When my children were smaller we used to do something like this every holiday season. My daughters would look forward to the activities each year. They became so anxious each season to help out others in their community, and I truly believe, that annual holiday activity played a big part in molding both of my daughters into the good-hearted young women they are today.
It truly is far better to give than to receive and this year I am going to accomplish a minimum of 24 acts of kindness and make my Merry Christmas even merrier.
One small, thoughtful gesture can make someone else’s day so much brighter. Random acts of kindness – performed for the sole purpose of brightening someone’s day – leave behind the long lasting result of knowing that hope is always out there. Here are my acts of kindness to do list . . .
Say “Good Morning” to a stranger next to you.
Pay the drive in order for the person in line behind you at Hardee’s
Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you’re rushing
Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail
Grocery shop for the sole purpose of anonymously putting food on someone else’s table
Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor
Give a homeless person a care package and sit down and have a conversation with them
Sing carols or visit at a local nursing home
Put a coin in an expired  parking meter
Tape quarters to vending machines around town
Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old
Purchase toys for kids in need and donate
Put your shopping cart back in its place
Call or write to a teacher who changed your life
Leave a present in your mailbox for your mail carrier
Forgive someone a debt and never bring it up again
Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing
Throw away your trash – and someone else’s – after a movie, picnic or visit to a park
Encourage someone who seems despondent.
Volunteer to take care of a vacationing friend’s dog
Ask someone “How are you really doing?” – and then really listen to his/her response
Offer change when the person in front of you at the register comes up short
Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter
Buy a solider and his/her family dinner

I have already made the decision to have a wonderful holiday season. Try this scheduled act of kindness idea and you just may put a brighter merry into Merry Christmas.

Comments and impressions are welcomed
and requested at david@donalsonvillenews.com