Celebrate Family This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time to come together and celebrate the things that matter most. Family, friends, and loved ones can all play a role in making this time of year special. However, the holiday season can also be a time of stress and anxiety. With so much to do and so little time, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. This year, take a step back and focus on what’s truly important. Embrace kindness and show others gratitude. Give yourself and those around you the gift of your time and attention. These small acts of kindness will help alleviate your stress and will also go a long way in making this holiday season one to remember.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Create Some Handmade Holiday Gifts
The holiday season is a time for giving, and there is no better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by acts of kindness. A small gesture can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated, and it doesn’t have to cost anything.
Simple Acts
Take the time to write a heartfelt thank-you note, or simply offer a listening ear when someone needs to vent. You can also show your appreciation through acts of service, such as cooking a meal for a friend or helping out with holiday shopping. No matter how you choose to express it, showing gratitude is always in season. You can even create DIY Kindness Kits for on-the-go, so you can share kindness wherever you are.
Shop Kind
The holiday season is a time to show your loved ones how much you care. Instead of buying the same old gifts, why not give something that will inspire kindness and make the world a better place? There are so many amazing options out there, from books that teach children about empathy, to donations in honor of a loved one. The best part is that these gifts can keep on giving long after the holiday season has ended. Our Shop Kind store has many gift options that will inspire kindness. So this year, spread some joy and make a difference with your holiday shopping. Your loved ones will be sure to appreciate it.
Volunteer
The holidays are a time for giving, and there’s no better way to teach your kids the importance of giving than by volunteering together. Whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, collecting toys for children in need, or simply helping out at your child’s school or local library, there are countless ways to give back during the holiday season. Volunteer opportunities are also a great way to bond with your kids and instill in them the importance of helping others. Who knows, you might even have some fun in the process! Make a commitment this holiday season to volunteer with your kids and model the importance of giving back.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
This holiday season, reflect on some family conversation starters over a meal or at a special celebration. Hearing answers to these questions from different members of your family will bring a smile to your face and another level of sharing and understanding to your table.
What do you enjoy most about the winter season?
What kind of gift-giving is most enjoyable?
Do you like to make or purchase gifts for friends or family?
Share about a gift that you received that reminds you of the giver.
Do gifts matter? Why or why not?
Which kind of gifts are the most thoughtful (e.g., homemade, store-bought, experiential)?
Which kind of gifts do you prefer to give? To receive? Which gives you greater joy—giving or receiving a gift?
BOOKS
Picture Books to Celebrate
Winter Holidays
This holiday season, check out our selection of winter holiday books and share kindness through reading and reflecting with your children.
INSPIRATION
Kindness is like snow—It beautifies everything it covers.
―Kahlil Gibran