Happy Holidays! With Christmas on its way, everyone should take a moment to reflect on what it means. Christmas is a time when we should all focus on giving, and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, then think of the New Year because that is the time when most people create a new year’s resolution. A new year can bring a new you, so let this be the year that we all evolve and strive to become our best selves. Just remember, it is never too late to become a better person.

There is a theory called pay it forward, which essentially is the idea that if one person does something nice for another person, then that person will do something nice for someone else, and so on. The point of this theory/idea is that a person does something kind — without expecting anything in return — and that it will cause a chain reaction where this cycle of kindness will continue. (Interesting fact, there is a Pay it Forward Day which happens near the end of April. In addition, there is a movie called Pay it Forward).

Ten simple ways to be kind:

  • Catch up with an old friend or colleague (this can be done through social media or in person).
  • Give someone a hug
  • Smile
  • Tell someone how much they mean to you
  • Open/hold the door for someone
  • Give someone an honest compliment (maybe give one compliment to someone you know and one compliment to a stranger)
  • Let someone go in front of you in line
  • Write a (handwritten) note to someone (friends, teachers, family)
  • Forgive and Forget
  • Pick up trash and/or recycle

    • If you want more a challenge here are ten more ways that you can be kind:

  • Pay for a coffee or lunch for the next person in line.
  • Feed the homeless
  • Volunteer at a food bank
  • Donate (food, money, clothes, blankets, toys, books, gifts)
  • Sponsor a child or an animal
  • Give a generous tip at a restaurant
  • Make a new friend
  • Donate blood
  • If someone you know is sick, make them a care package
  • Make a meal for your family, friends, or someone in need

    • Shout out to Ms.Ferrante’s grade 12 religion class did as they did a random act of kindness by going to an old age home where they spent time with the elderly. The class – wearing Christmas sweaters, Christmas hats, and reindeer antler headbands – gave the gift of time as they spent time talking to the elderly, which really made a positive impact on the elderly as they felt appreciated. So, during the winter break, I challenge you to do one act of kindness, whether it be as simple as telling someone how much they mean to you or spending time with the elderly.

    By: Gillian Stewart

    Image via Flickr