During a typical holiday season, it’s important to give back and spread kindness, particularly to those in need. But this is not a typical year. In 2020, more than ever, those of us with the means and ability must make an effort to spread kindness – while socially distant.

7 Ideas to spread kindness this holiday season

1. Create a “Thank you” snack box for delivery drivers. This is such a fun and simple way to thank folks for doing the hard work they do. It’s also an easy task to delegate to kids – they can help fill the snack basket and refill it as needed. Click here to download a free “Thank you, delivery driver” printable. (Scroll down to see our set up.)
2. Be a good neighbor. Rake leaves, shovel snow, put away trashcans, etc. We’re all just trying to get by and do the best we can. Making a little effort to go out of your way in service to someone else will make their day.
3. Send post cards or notes to staff and residents of nursing homes. I found a few resources to find a facility accepting cards and Love for our Elders. This is another activity that is perfect for kids of all ages. Of course, if you know a loved one who lives or works in a long term care facility, check with the administrators to see if they will distribute generic cards to residents.
4. Donate to a food bank. In the midst of a pandemic and financial crisis, food banks are struggling to serve their communities. If you are able, you can literally help put food on a family’s table. Click here to find your local food bank.
5. Call a relative. This holiday season is more isolating than usual for many people as they are unable to gather with family or friends. Take a few minutes today to call that relative you haven’t touched base with in a while.
6. Write letters to service members and first responders with Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends care packages and each contains a bundle of handwritten letters – and you and your family can help write them.
7. Support small + local. Admittedly, shopping local is more difficult this year because many of us can’t browse stores or eat in restaurants. But small businesses are disproportionately impacted by the financial shut downs. Some ideas to shop local + small: browse the Instagram of your local favorite shop and reach out directly if you see something you’d like to order, buy a gift card to a local restaurant, call your favorite boutique to see if they’ll curate a gift basket for you. Now is the time to get creative in your support!

Thank you delivery driver printable

This is such a simple and thoughtful gesture to say “thanks” to the folks who delivery all the things. From mail to packages to food to groceries, there are more folks than ever delivering for a living.

It’s easy to set up and you probably already have everything you need. First, click here to download a free “Thank you, delivery driver” printable. I put our printable in a plastic sleeve protector to provide stability. Next, fill a bucket or basket with snacks. We raid our snack stash for drinks, packaged snack cakes, chips, granola bars, crackers, etc. and I usually wrap up a couple pieces of fruit, too.

We bring the basket in every evening and refill every couple days as needed.

How will you safely spread kindness this holiday season? Share in the comments.