Spreading Holiday Cheer

 

  1. Make baked goods

For your coworkers, teachers, local librarians, mail-carriers – you get the point. It’s a simple surprise that no one is expecting, but everyone loves. It is thoughtful, and bound to make someone smile. The best part? Check out this simple recipe for classic chewy chocolate chip cookies! One batch – thirty-six cookies and twenty-five minutes later – and you’ve got most of your bases covered.

  1. Donate clothes.

Who says spring cleaning is the only appropriate time to purge your closet? Did you get yourself a new coat on Black Friday? Give the old one up! If you feel good about the clothes you have, that’s okay, socks are in dire need during the cold season. Because many people rely on clothes donations, and socks are usually holy and rarely donated, you can help someone’s feet stay warm by donating to this cause instead.

  1. Call a relative, or friend, who you haven’t spoken to in a long time

Did someone come to mind? Do it. Dial their number. They will be happy to hear from you.

  1. Buy a stranger’s coffee or food in a drive-thru

The beauty of drive-thrus is that people order before they pick up their food and pay. There’s also something to be said about doing something kind for which you cannot be thanked. Simply drive away knowing you made someone’s day. Have you heard of this Philly restaurant that runs on this concept?

  1. Leave a generous tip!

So, we may not all have the means to do this for someone but a 100% tip? Maybe! It doesn’t need to be on an expensive purchase, of course. At the very least, next time you sit at your local diner, consider showing your gratitude by leaving an additional 5 or 10% than you usually would.

  1. Say what you think

Practice sharing positive thoughts. Don’t just admire someone, tell them you like their new vest and the way they paired it with the pants they’re wearing. You were already thinking it, might as well! One sincere, specific compliment goes a long way. In fact, giving genuine compliments may make you happy too. 

  1. Leave positive notes in library books or waiting room magazines

Remind a stranger to keep their head up, or to smile. Or maybe leave them your favorite uplifting or thought-provoking quote. Here’s some inspiration…

  • “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” - Groucho Marx
  • “And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.” - Confucius
  • “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature…. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” - Helen Keller
  • “Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness.”- Buddha
  • “The grass is always greener where you water it.” - Unknown

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