As the holiday of Thanksgiving nears, it is a time to be reflective on how we can help those who are not as lucky, happy, loved, or as fortunate as we are. That can be the person next to you on the commuter bus, in line at the grocery store or at the coffee shop. One of the ways in our household we try to express our “thankfulness” is to go beyond practicing our everyday manners and courtesy to spread “kindness”. Small acts of courtesy can go a long way to make someone’s day. I saw a neighbor bring in the trash can of a new neighbor one cold rainy morning. This new member of our community happened to be a single mother still grabbling with move-in boxes. I often think about how important and poignant small acts of kindness are to someone struggling with so much.
These little gestures don’t cost much and each can serve as a great lesson for your children. You can see how many acts of kindness you can perform before Thanksgiving. You can share your stories around a plate of turkey. Better yet, you can challenge your family to a contest to see how many each member can perform and award the winner the turkey’s wishbone.
Here are a few examples of kindness you can perform. Think of your own and kick off this Thanksgiving season about spreading holiday cheer.
Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.
Pay for the coffee of the person next to you in line. No thanks needed. Just ask them to pay it forward the next time they see someone in need of caffeine.
When you get a new piece of clothing for your holiday wardrobe, donate and old one. The Help Association at 1260 East Mount Harmony Road, Owings, Maryland, 20736, is a great place to donate clothes.
Smile at someone and say “Good morning” just because.
Call your grandparents and talk to them, without looking at your phone during the conversation.
Leave a note in your child’s lunch bag or backpack.
Offer to walk dogs or bring extra food, toys, or linens to a local animal shelter. To learn how to help contact the Calvert Animal Welfare League, www.cawlrescue.org.
When you are throwing something away on the street, pick up any litter around you and put that in the trash, too.
Join a local movement by brightening someone’s day by painting a rock and leaving it behind for someone to find. To learn more visit Calvert Rocks on Facebook.
Donate a few hours of your time or drop off some food at a local food pantry. To find the best place to do so in your area visit, www.endhungercalvert.org.
Leave a thank you note for your mail carrier or your trash man. They have thankless jobs and it will go a long way to make their day.
Post only messages of gratitude and kindness on Facebook for the entire month of November – now there is a Thanksgiving challenge that will truly make you a success.