Acts of Kindness Spread Holiday Cheer

by Jill Weinlein

Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with friends and family for a festive meal and reflect on opportunities to help others less fortunate. We have a lot to be thankful for in life, and my goal is to inspire families to volunteer and make a difference in their neighborhood.

I offer you and your family a fun challenge. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, perform 10 acts of kindness for others. You will make someone's day, feel great helping someone in need, and have wonderful memories to share at dinnertime.

Here are some suggestions: Prepare a meal for the most stressed person you know. Trade places in the grocery line with someone in a hurry, the elderly or a mother with a young child. Give your "free coffee" or "free yogurt" coupon to the cashier to pass on to someone who needs it. Hold the door open for someone. Help an overloaded shopper get to their car and load their items, especially at Costco. Take your kids to the local animal shelter with boxes of dog biscuits, old blankets, and balls. Walk a few dogs after your delivery.

Send or deliver a bouquet of flowers to someone who needs cheering up.

Stop your car for a person waiting to cross the street. Put money in an expired parking meter.

Smile at ten strangers in one day and see how many smile back.

Write to Jill at Jill@familymagazinegroup.com with other ideas of random acts of kindness. She may use them in future articles.