How small acts of kindness can make a positive impact this holiday season.

Have you ever felt small or insignificant? Like you’re just one person and how could you possibly make an impact? Have you ever felt inspired to get out there and make a difference, but unsure of where to go or how to get started?

Trust me, we’ve all been there!

And the good news is that I’m here to share how small acts of kindness, even those made by just one person, can truly make a real and lasting positive impact.

At a time of fear and uncertainty and polarization in our world, we might feel hopeless or scared or unsure of what to do or where to turn. But what we do know is that we can get out in the community and do our part to impact the lives of others. Small acts of kindness go a long way—both in terms of the difference you’re making and the satisfaction and fulfillment you’ll gain along the way.

So, let’s explore how small acts of kindness can make a positive impact this holiday season!

I like to think of a small act of kindness as a voluntary and selfless action that positively impacts a person or community around us. With the holiday season in full swing, there are so many ways to get out there and do good for others. Here are 15 ideas to consider:

1)??? Say hello to your neighbor

We never know what someone is going through in life. So much of our pain and suffering is in silence and we often feel the need to keep up appearances, while on the inside we’re falling apart. So, when you take the time to stop, smile, wave, and say hello to your neighbor, you might truly be lifting their spirits and showing them support in a way that you had no idea they needed. When so many feel alone at the holiday time, having that interaction with them, even if just for a few minutes, can fundamentally impact their mood and change the course of their day.

2)??? Carry groceries for an elderly person

We’ve all been there. We’re at the grocery store and we see someone struggling to carry all of their holiday groceries from the store to their car. Rather than standing there and considering what to do, don’t hesitate. Offer to help them carry their bags. This small act of kindness can truly brighten the spirits of the recipient, especially during a moment that could have been challenging or stressful for them.

3)??? Invite your coworker for coffee

If you’ve noticed that one of your coworkers has seemed down or withdrawn during the holiday season, ask them if they would like to grab a coffee. Knowing that someone cares and that they have a friend in the workplace that they can rely on and confide in can make all the difference.

4)??? Leave an extra tip

There are those places that we all frequent—whether it’s the gas station or the coffee shop or the local diner. Where appropriate, leave an extra tip for the folks that go above and beyond every day to serve their customers. It will make their day and it will certainly come at a time of year when finances are stretched.

5)??? Write holiday cards for nursing homes

The holidays can be difficult for older people, especially those in nursing homes that might not be able to see their families often. A simple card expressing your holiday well wishes can brighten someone’s day. Knowing that someone is thinking about them and cares can be a real game-changer for someone feeling alone during the holidays.

6)??? Shovel snow for your neighbor

Offer to shovel snow for your neighbor. This can be a physically taxing and laborious task. If one of your neighbors is not easily able to shovel their own driveway, offer to take away this burden and do it for them. It will relieve so much stress and will ensure that person is safe and not stuck at home.

7)??? Pay for the person behind you in line

When you’re getting your obligatory gingerbread latte at Starbucks, pay for the person behind you in line. You will surely bring a smile to their face, and you might even inspire someone else to do a small act of kindness.

8)??? Clean up your community

Spend an afternoon picking up trash around your neighborhood or town. Beautifying your community will positively impact everyone.

9)??? Make a meal for someone who might need it

There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal. Take a meal to a friend or neighbor or family member who might need it. Nothing says TLC better than some home cooking.

10) ?Offer to babysit

If you have the capacity, offer to babysit for someone who could use a night out. Giving someone the gift of time and rest is very powerful.

11) ?Donate

It goes without saying, but donating money, clothes, toys, or food during the holidays can make an incredible impact. Support causes and organizations that are meaningful to you, and give to their holiday appeals. A donation of any size or value makes a difference.

12) ?Volunteer

Volunteering is one the most powerful ways to make an impact. Whether you’re serving dinner at the local soup kitchen, handing out toys to children in need, visiting with patients at the local hospital, or giving love and affection to shelter dogs, there are so many ways to get out in the community and lend your time and talents.

13) ?Check in with your friends and family

You never know what someone is going through. Even those closest to you might be struggling or having a difficult time. Checking in and expressing your love and support and appreciation for them goes a long way. Take the time to really hear what they’re saying and show up for them as they need.

14) ?Thank your delivery people

Getting a lot of Amazon packages these days? I hear you! Take the time to thank and show gratitude for your delivery people. Whether it’s a thank you card, a food basket, or a conversation to express your appreciation, take the time to acknowledge those who are supporting you on a daily basis.

15) ?Get your company involved

Does your company have a corporate social responsibility team? Even if they don’t, talk to your manager and HR team about spearheading a team or company-wide volunteer event. Whether you’re collecting cans for the food pantry, visiting the nursing home, raising funds for the women’s shelter, handing out toys to kids, or writing cards to service members, there are endless ways that you can make a great impact alongside your coworkers this holiday season.

This holiday season, I encourage you to pick and choose from this list. To find what small acts of kindness speak to you and determine how you can be a light in someone else’s life. There’s really so much we can do to be kind, support others, give back, and make an impact. It doesn’t take much and it starts with YOU. So, without further ado, Happy Holidays, be well, and do good!

*This article was originally featured in 'The Monthly Digest', The Thirlby Company's newsletter. Please check it out here: https://www.thirlbyco.com/coachingnuggets/15kindacts