16 Ways to Extend the Spirit of the Season
By Sherrie Le Masurier
Christmas isn’t a one day event, it’s a whole holiday full of sharing, caring and giving. With lots of time left between now and the New Year why not give some thought to extending the spirit of the season well into 2017?
Following are some of my favourite ways to make the holidays extra special for others.
Contact People Who Have Made A Difference In Your Life
We all have someone in our lives who has made a lasting impression on us. Touch base with people who have had a positive influence on your life. Thank them for what they have given you and/or explain why they are special to you. Surprise them with a handwritten note, an email, visit or a phone, Skype or FaceTime call.
Extend A Kindness
Give up your seat on the bus to someone with lots of packages in tow or your place in a long checkout line to someone who looks more worn out than you are. Or, offer to switch seats on a plane or train if it means a family can sit together.
Introduce Yourself
Why is it that we often recognize people on the street as being a neighbour or we see the same faces everywhere we go but yet we haven’t taken the time to know their names? It may seem odd but it’s never too late to introduce yourself to the people you see on a regular basis, like the clerk at the grocery store or the fellow passengers on the bus during your daily commute to work.
Be Generous With Compliments
There’s nothing better than making someone’s day by giving them a compliment. Consider passing out compliments to people who would least expect it, like the school crossing guard or your mail carrier.
Be Courteous To Others
Help a neighbour carry in packages from their vehicle. Or, offer to take someone’s carpool shift.
Send A Kid A Letter
Write a letter to a child who is in need of some extra special attention and mail it. What kid’s face doesn’t light up when they find something with their name on it in the mailbox?
Show A Shut-In You Care
Invite a homebound person to go on a driving tour through town to see the Christmas lights. Or, pass along a good Christmas novel or magazine after you’re finished with it.
Put Loose Change To Good Use
Leave a grocery cart rental unchained so the next shopper doesn’t have to search for a quarter or buy coffee for the person behind you in the drive thru lane.
Forgive A Debt
If you have the financial means to do it – forgive a debt. And, never bring it up again.
Say I’m Sorry
Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative.
Help Others
Offer to run errands for an elderly friend or relative. Or, help a mother carry her baby stroller up a set of stairs. Just holding a door open for someone can make a world of difference.
Be Generous With Tips
Tip someone who doesn't expect it. Or, be extra generous to your server when dining out.
Make A Toast
Toast your friends when they’re in your home. Tell them how much it means to have them there.
Give A Secret Gift
Secretly shovel the snow off your neighbour's front walk or driveway.
Pass Along A Good Word
If someone in your office really helps you by going above and beyond, take the time to jot a note to their boss explaining what a great a job he or she is doing.
Remember The Bereaved
If you have friends who have lost family members since last Christmas make an effort to call and cheer them during the holidays.
Following are some of my favourite ways to make the holidays extra special for others.
Contact People Who Have Made A Difference In Your Life
We all have someone in our lives who has made a lasting impression on us. Touch base with people who have had a positive influence on your life. Thank them for what they have given you and/or explain why they are special to you. Surprise them with a handwritten note, an email, visit or a phone, Skype or FaceTime call.
Extend A Kindness
Give up your seat on the bus to someone with lots of packages in tow or your place in a long checkout line to someone who looks more worn out than you are. Or, offer to switch seats on a plane or train if it means a family can sit together.
Introduce Yourself
Why is it that we often recognize people on the street as being a neighbour or we see the same faces everywhere we go but yet we haven’t taken the time to know their names? It may seem odd but it’s never too late to introduce yourself to the people you see on a regular basis, like the clerk at the grocery store or the fellow passengers on the bus during your daily commute to work.
Be Generous With Compliments
There’s nothing better than making someone’s day by giving them a compliment. Consider passing out compliments to people who would least expect it, like the school crossing guard or your mail carrier.
Be Courteous To Others
Help a neighbour carry in packages from their vehicle. Or, offer to take someone’s carpool shift.
Send A Kid A Letter
Write a letter to a child who is in need of some extra special attention and mail it. What kid’s face doesn’t light up when they find something with their name on it in the mailbox?
Show A Shut-In You Care
Invite a homebound person to go on a driving tour through town to see the Christmas lights. Or, pass along a good Christmas novel or magazine after you’re finished with it.
Put Loose Change To Good Use
Leave a grocery cart rental unchained so the next shopper doesn’t have to search for a quarter or buy coffee for the person behind you in the drive thru lane.
Forgive A Debt
If you have the financial means to do it – forgive a debt. And, never bring it up again.
Say I’m Sorry
Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative.
Help Others
Offer to run errands for an elderly friend or relative. Or, help a mother carry her baby stroller up a set of stairs. Just holding a door open for someone can make a world of difference.
Be Generous With Tips
Tip someone who doesn't expect it. Or, be extra generous to your server when dining out.
Make A Toast
Toast your friends when they’re in your home. Tell them how much it means to have them there.
Give A Secret Gift
Secretly shovel the snow off your neighbour's front walk or driveway.
Pass Along A Good Word
If someone in your office really helps you by going above and beyond, take the time to jot a note to their boss explaining what a great a job he or she is doing.
Remember The Bereaved
If you have friends who have lost family members since last Christmas make an effort to call and cheer them during the holidays.
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