12 Random Acts of Kindness

It’s amazing what one act of kindness can do. Whether it’s donating to someone in need, sending a personal thank you note to a healthcare hero, or volunteering at the local animal shelter — a simple act of kindness not only builds a stronger community and makes you feel good, but it can change the way you see the world.

In 1885, Vermont farmer Wilson Bentley pioneered the technology to photograph snowflakes. Over the course of many snowy Vermont winters Wilson “Snowflake Bentley” photographed hundreds of individual snowflakes and discovered that no two snowflakes are alike! Through his research, he was able to share the joy and beauty of snowflakes with people around the world.

Like a snowflake, a small act of kindness is fleeting. It doesn’t last forever, but it’s beauty and combined influence can have a lasting impact. As a certified B Corporation®, we live by the motto, “b the change”, as in be the change you wish to see in the world. This holiday season join us in being the change you wish to see in the world with an act of kindness.

This holiday season, bring a little beauty and a whole lot of joy to your community by participating in one or two random acts of kindness, (or challenge yourself to do one a day for 12 days if you are feeling really ambitious) and together we can “b the change!”

12 Simple Acts of Kindness for the Holiday Season

Day 1.)  Write a Thank You

A heart-felt handwritten note can leave a lasting impression. It lets the recipient know that someone is thinking about them and appreciates what they do. Take a minute from your busy holiday season to write a thank you note to a local first responder or teacher, send a “thinking of you” card to a friend that lets them know just how much you cherish their friendship, or leave a little surprise post-it note in your kids lunch box. Receiving an unexpected is guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day.

Day 2.)  Make a donation

Give back to your community by making a monetary donation to a local organization. Gather the clothes you no longer wear to donate to a local family in need, put together a care package for a soldier overseas, or buy your favorite chocolate bar that does the donating for you! There are so many easy ways you can donate this holiday season.

Day 3.) Help the homeless

It’s easy lift up those in need. Spend the afternoon serving at the local soup kitchen, gather socks, soap and other toiletries for a goodie bag, or help with clerical work (like answering phones) at your local homeless shelter. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated! Just remember to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the abundance that you have in your life.

Day 4.) Green up your local park

Spend a few hours picking up litter, spruce up your yard, build a recycling receptacle, or gather a group of community members and spend the day doing repairs on the playground — there are many ways you can green up your local park. Whatever activity you choose, your entire community will benefit from having a cleaner, more beautiful public space.

Day 5.) Share a random act of (chocolate) kindness

Carry a few squares of organic chocolate in your pocket during the holiday season and randomly share with anyone that looks like they could use a pick-me-up; the barista who makes your favorite morning mocha drink; the co-worker who helped you unjam the printer; or the stranger on the bus who looks like they’ve had a long day. You’ll be surprised at how fast this small act of kindness puts a smile on their face.

Day 6.) Volunteer

Time is often your most valuable asset. Give your time by volunteering within your community. Play games with residents at the nearby nursing home, assist the local elementary school with an event, or walk animals at the regional shelter. Wherever you choose to volunteer, the organizations that you help with be forever grateful!

Day 7.) Be a teacher

Share your knowledge with your community. Be a mentor a local child, lead a free online yoga class, or teach your grandkids about a treasured family tradition. Who knows, your act of kindness might even spark a new passion for someone!

Day 8.) Raise money for a non-profit

Your local non-profit is always in need of help. Take some time to help raise money for their good cause. Host a fundraising event, set up an online crowdfunding campaign, or simply buy your favorite chocolate that gives back to the community! If you need more ideas, just look to see what your favorite brands are doing for Giving Tuesday.

Day 9.) Pay it forward

What goes around, comes around. Spread kindness all around this holiday season by holding the door for the mom with the stroller, paying for the coffee order for the person behind you in line, or give a compliment to three random people. Who knows, maybe your act of kindness will inspire others to do the same!

Day 10.) Help a neighbor in need

A strong community is one where people look out for one another. So check-in on an elderly neighbor and see if they need anything, shovel a neighbor’s walkway when it snows, or lend an extra hand to the neighbor that’s juggling a car full of kids and groceries. Any little bit of help can make the world of difference in someone’s life.

Day 11.) Express your gratitude

Take some time to show someone just how much you appreciate what they do. During the busy holiday season, it can be as easy as giving someone a moment of your undivided attention, leaving a kind note to a helpful individual, or send a sweet Thank You gift to that friend that’s always there for you! Your act of kindness is guaranteed to make their day!

Day 12.) Practice self-care

You can’t pour from an empty cup. In order to do good in the world, you need to make sure you are doing what’s good for you. It can be as simple as going for a walk, taking a moment to breathe with a soul-soothing cup of hot chocolate, or enjoying a relaxing bath after a long, hard day.  Take some time to fill your cup and practice self-care.

This holiday season, be inspired by the work of Snowflake Bentley. Spread beauty, joy, and kindness! Whatever you choose to do, your actions are guaranteed to give you that feel-good sensation while building a stronger community. Show us how you give back. Share a photo on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #12daysofgiving for a chance to win a Thank You Gift Basket!