We can hardly believe it, but the holiday season is quickly approaching and 2022 is coming to a close! The holiday season is commonly referred to as “the season of giving”, but that doesn’t neccesarily mean that you need to whip out your wallet. Traditionally, the holidays coincide with physical gift-giving to family and friends, but gifts don’t need to cost money to make them worthwhile. In fact, some of the best gifts aren’t physical gifts at all, but they’re feelings of kindness and care!
This holiday season, we challenge you to take the “random” out of random acts of kindness, to spread joy in the small ways that you can, and to try to make one person’s day better every day. Need some help thinking of ideas on how to accomplish this challenge? We got you! Here’s our favorite ways to spread kindness!
Give compliments freely
Think beyond someone’s appearance and instead try complimenting someone’s strength, their taste in movies and books, their knack for creating a delicious meal out of whatever’s in the fridge, or, just let them know you appreciate them for being in your life!
Clean out your closet
We’re willing to bet that you have clothes in your closet and drawers that you haven’t rocked in a few years. Do a deep clean of your closet and bag up those items to donate to a women’s shelter, a Salvation Army, or even a clothing drop-off bin. You’ll feel better having a clean space, and you’ll let someone else enjoy a warm outfit this winter.
Write notes or leave snacks and water for your delivery drivers
The postal workers and delivery drivers make it possible for all of our gifts to get where they’re supposed to go, and they work around the clock to do it! Leave a little note of thanks on your doorstep or in your mailbox for the people who serve your community, and go the extra mile by leaving a small snack bowl!
Shovel a neighbor’s driveway
Fun fact: Some know all too well that snow shoveling is a great workout! Get your exercise done and accomplish a kind act in one swoop. No snow? Help out a neighbor by carrying their groceries or caring for their pets while they’re away.
Pay it forward
If you’ve ever ordered your coffee in a drive-thru window and had the surprise of being told that the person in front of you paid for it, then you know how quickly it can make one’s day! When you get to the pickup window, ask the server how much the person behind you spent and if it’s a number you’re comfortable with, pay for it! The chances are high that they will pay for the person behind them and continue the kindness effort.
Donate to a charity close to your heart
If you’re in a financial position to give back, donating to a cause or issue that you care deeply about is a great way to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Here are the Yoga Wake Up teams favorite groups to support!
UNICEF — Joaquín, CTO and co-founder
“As we become more globalized I feel it's important to find solutions that solve global issues and not just the issues that are in my local community. I feel UNICEF does a wonderful job of this.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — Katie, Communications Manager
“St. Jude was the first charity that I ever gave to out of college when I began to earn a salary, and it’s a charity that I give to yearly around Christmas. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. For families who are facing their worst nightmare, St. Jude takes away monetary concerns so that they can focus on their child's healing.”
Safe Place for Youth (SPY) — Lizzie, CEO and co-founder
“SPY provides services and support for youth (ages 12-25) who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. SPY makes a difference locally with one of the most marginalized and forgotten groups: teens — who are experiencing homelessness through no fault of their own. SPY's resources, safety net and dedicated volunteers create opportunities that can positively change the course of the lives of thousands of teens that are victims of circumstance.
The Loveland Foundation — Denera, Audio Producer
“I first heard of The Loveland Foundation a few years ago. I can remember thinking how powerful this kind of resource can be for black women and girls. Being a black woman myself, I understand that there needs to be healing in our community and I believe the Loveland Foundation is contributing to that.”
During this season of giving, we invite you to spread joy, love, and kindness to those who need it, and to those who might not even know they need it. We’re wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!