In this pandemic year, a minimum of 25 acts of kindness is the least I can do!

In a world where we’re constantly reminded to put ourselves first, it’s even more important around the holidays  – especially in this pandemic year of not so happy moments – that we spread more 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-Scrooge 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 – 25 fold.

Put together twenty-five 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.

I did this last year, and sadly I have to admit I achieved only 18, but this year is going to be merrier and I will reach my goal of 25.

There is an endless list of activity ideas from which to choose and my 25 are listed below.

As you complete each act of kindness, the Christmas Spirit will grow a little stronger inside your 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 25 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 is my acts of kindness to do list . . .

Purchase holiday gifts from Seminole County merchants

Publicly thank as many health care workers and First Responders as possible

Say “Good Morning” to a stranger next to me

Treat a veteran or an out-of-towner to breakfast, lunch or dinner

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 or run an errand for someone

Give a homeless person a care package and sit down and have a conversation with them

Visit and spread the cheer at a local nursing home

Put a coin in an expired  parking meter

Tape quarters to vending machines around town

Give away something old and in good condition to someone who needs it more than I do

Purchase toys for kids in need.

Put my shopping cart back in its place

Call or write to a teacher who changed my life

Leave a present in the mailbox for my mail carrier

Forgive someone a debt and never bring it up again

Write a note to the boss of someone and explain how great a job that person is doing

Throw away my 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/relative’s dog

Offer change when the person in front of me at the register comes up short

Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waitress/waiter

Ask someone “How are you doing?” – and then really listen to his/her response

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

Comments and impressions are welcomed

and requested at david@donalsonvillenews.com