If you’re looking for thoughtful ways to show kindness during the holiday season, look no further! Here, you’ll find 12 acts of kindness, big and small, to aid you in spreading love and joy this holiday season. 

The Effects of Kindness

Most of us naturally show others kindness whenever possible (that’s just how we roll). We know the positive repercussions bring happiness to all parties (including ourselves). Our primary purpose is to support or uplift others, but these heart acts may impact others beyond our original intent. The effects can be pretty considerable. It turns out there’s a science to kindness, and acts of kindness can improve the recipient’s overall health, too!

Acts Of Kindness May Have a Chain Reaction: Scatter at Will

Additionally, the effects of your thoughtful act may influence more than the recipient’s wellbeing. A random act of kindness can be infectious and spawn a chain reaction of goodwill—all the more reason to scatter kindness like confetti (no matter the time of year). 

Joy To the World!

Yet, the holiday season indeed invokes a sense of love and happiness that we yearn to share. The holiday season is full of love, and we love the holidays. Holidays are a time for celebrating and reflecting—a time for giving and receiving. And it’s a time to connect with others. Our hearts are brimming with love and compassion during the holiday season, which is why we extend kindness to lift others and spread holiday joy. 

We all have our “go-to” ways of dispersing holiday kindness, whether that’s placing money in a donation basket or paying for a stranger’s coffee at a drive-thru. But there are many additional ways we can bestow holiday kindness.

12 Thoughtful Acts of Kindness to Spread Holiday Joy

1. Volunteer your time and services at a non-profit organization that feeds folks in need.

I’ve included some examples, but you can search for “volunteer to feed those in need” to find other local and global organizations. 

Feeding America is an organization with tangible ways you can help feed others. You can pack, sort, or distribute food (there are even ways to help online).

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) provides nutritious food packages for children in developing nations. You can volunteer to assemble meal packs at FMSC in a handful of states. Most people volunteer in groups with their loved ones, friends, or associates (as a bonus, it’s a meaningful and fun way to bond with your loved ones).

You could also volunteer at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters to help nourish others. Homeless Shelters Directory maintains a database of soup kitchens around the nation. 

2. Volunteer a talent or skill of yours.

Whether you’re an expert in sewing, knitting, fundraising, photography, or another specialized skill, you can donate your services over the holidays (or any time). This is referred to as “skill-based volunteering.” You can hone your skills while helping others! 

Begin by touching base with local organizations individually or checking your community’s volunteering programs or centers. Charitable Union is another resource with several skill-based volunteering opportunities.

3. Donate holiday gifts to children in need.

Undeniably, a big part of the holiday season (for most) involves giving and receiving. But the truth is children who live in poverty receive a lot less during the holidays. This website maintains an impressive list of solid organizations that support children around the holidays, from Toys to Tots to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

4. Donate holiday meal items to local food banks and food drives.

A home-cooked holiday meal is an essential part of celebrations for many families. Yet, holiday dinners (with all the fixings) can be too costly for some families on a strict budget. Your heartfelt donation will be much appreciated!

5. Compliment someone while waiting in a holiday shopping line.

The power of kind words is often underestimated. Extending a compliment to a stranger might seem a small act, but it may lift their spirit, and that’s a big way to spread joy. 

6. Integrate eco-friendly and recycled gifts into your gift-giving.

Our planet requires our loving-kindness too. You can start with a simple search online; focus on keywords like “recycled gifts” or “eco-friendly gifts.” But for reference, Etsy.com is one website you can find recycled gifts. Uncommongoods.com is another. 

7. Volunteer your time, supplies, or spare money to a local animal shelter—no need to limit your kindness to people.

Unleash your holiday joy upon furry friends as well. You can launch your endeavor by calling local animal shelters and inquiring about their most pressing needs.

8. Create and gift homemade holiday cards to a local nursing home.

This compassionate act is best carried out in groups, if possible. You can make cards with family and friends or organize a more significant effort in your community (hint: most teachers and kiddos love participating, so school classrooms might be an option). Homemade holiday cards (especially those made by children) are highly valued by the folks receiving them and brighten their spirit. 

9. Offer to shovel snow or do yardwork for a neighbor.

Donating your time and energy to ease your neighbor’s load is another way to display kindness this season.

10. Donate coats, hats, and gloves to local schools, churches, and charities.

Everyone deserves to stay warm throughout the holiday (and winter) season. One Warm Coat is a phenomenal resource for locating nonprofit organizations across the country (that provide winter gear to those who need it).

11. Let the person behind (or in front of) you have your coveted parking spot.

I know this sounds counterproductive and somewhat sacrilege. But as you likely know, parking lots can be chaotic during the holiday season, and we can spend a chunk of time finding the perfect spot (or any spot, in some cases). Therefore, giving up your located spot to someone else who’s competing is a noble, kind act that is sure to elicit sheer bliss from the other person.

12. Throw a holiday baking party to create baked goods for friends, neighbors, community workers, and other magnificent people in your community.

Creating and gifting yummy treats is an old-school way to radiate holiday cheer while showing your appreciation for others. 

Well, Folks, That’s A Wrap!

Do you have something to add to this holiday kindness list? If so, please comment below. And keep spreading the holiday joy through kindness!