Hello, LinkedIn family! It's that time of year again when we run around like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, setting up traps for stress and chaos instead of burglars. Just yesterday, my holiday to-do list was as long as the line to see Santa at the mall. Ordering Christmas cards, buying gifts, planning an endless list of cookies (because one can never have too many), fretting over unmade decorations, and pondering our end-of-year escapades. And in this festive frenzy, guess what gets lost? The very spirit of the season—kindness!
In the whirlwind of preparations, we often overlook the small joys. Like the moment we brought home our first live Christmas tree (a sight to behold!) or the enchanting shadows of paper snowflakes dancing in the morning sun. And, oh, the pure bliss of snuggling in my favorite cozy sweater! These are the moments that deserve our attention.
So, how do we cultivate these moments of gratitude and kindness? How do we extend a pause to others, recognizing that they, too, are juggling a myriad of holiday tasks? I stumbled upon an inspiring article on Harvard Business Review about committing to kindness at work
. "Whether you’re just entering the workforce, starting a new job, or transitioning into people management, kindness can be a valuable attribute that speaks volumes about your character, commitment, and long-term value."
- Get back to basics. Take care of yourself (physical, mental and emotional well-being). Hold yourself accountable. Perform your role to the best of your ability.
- Be present when you show up with others. Set aside the phone and distractions, give your fullest attention, actively listen to what others are saying. Convey you hear them by replaying back what they shared in your own words or asking follow-up questions. Even recall details about their personal lives, weekend plans.
- Genuinely praise someone's recent accomplishments. "The brain processes verbal affirmations
similarly to financial rewards and praise and gratitude make people feel valued
and increase their morale."
As we embrace the holiday season, why not apply kindness in our personal lives, in our own unique way?
- Gift Cards on Windshields: My cousin and her grandchildren left gift cards or kind notes on people's car windshields in parking lots. It's a pleasant surprise that can brighten someone's day unexpectedly.
- Pay It Forward at Cafés: While ordering your drink at a café, pay for the person's order behind you. This act of kindness can set off a chain reaction of generosity throughout the day.
- Thank You Notes for Service Workers: Leave thank you notes or small tokens of appreciation (cookies anyone?) for mail carriers, sanitation workers, and others who provide essential services, especially during the holidays.
- Compliment Strangers: Offer sincere compliments to strangers. A kind word about someone's actions or even their pet can make the day a little brighter.
- Donation to a Stranger's Charity Fundraiser: Find online fundraisers or charity events and make anonymous donations. This could be especially impactful for causes that struggle to get attention.
- Complimentary Parking: Pay for someone’s parking meter or parking fee. It’s a small gesture that can save someone from a parking ticket and definitely make their day.
- Surprise Tip: Every year, the sister of a dear friend and her coworkers give back to the service industry. The group celebrates the year end at a low key diner and surprise the unassuming server with a generous tip. Helping bring joy and delight to those on their feet during a busy, harried season.
- Secret Santa of Good Deeds: Instead of the usual gift exchange with co-workers, try a secret Santa where you anonymously do kind acts for each other. It could be as simple as leaving a kind note, helping with a task, or even donating to a charity in their name.
- Gratitude Jar: For a few years, our family would gather round the table and write down one thing we were grateful for in the past year. Then our notes would be tucked in to a Gratitude Jar to be read the following year. It was touching to read the previous years entries, surprising ourselves with what had been captured the year before.
- Dinner for Others: Prepare or buy a warm meal and offer it to a friend recently laid off, a family with a new born, or an elderly neighbor. A warm meal can be a great comfort, especially during the colder months.
- Warmth Drive: Start a collection of warm clothing items like coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets. Donate these to shelters or organizations that help people in need during the winter months and contribute to a circular economy.
These simple yet thoughtful actions can create a ripple effect of kindness, making the holiday season brighter for everyone involved. Remember, the true joy of the holidays is found in the love and kindness we share with others.
Andes Mint Meringue Cookies Recipe
To sweeten the deal, here's an Andes Mint Meringue recipe. Perfect for those cookie exchange parties or to treat others!
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Andes mint chips
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, then vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in Andes mint chips.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until firm. Cool on a wire rack. (My mom always preferred to let the meringues sit in the powered off oven overnight, after a day spent baking)
Pause and remember.. the holidays aren't just about doing; they're about being—being kind, being present, and being connected. Let's make this holiday season a little less Home Alone chaos and a little more heartwarming. ?????
Only a few have taken to providing feedback in the comments section, which makes me ponder my ability to write interesting content. Please help me to overcome this existential crisis by sharing your favorite holiday kindness stories in the comments below.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year!
