Spread Love and Hope
It is 8 days to Christmas and 2020 is steadily winding down.
Yes, the holiday season is here; it’s that period we tend to show more kindness to people around us. Don’t we all love to seize the opportunity of this festive season to exchange gifts and presents to appreciate people that have been a part of our lives? Statistics even show us that in nearly every country, sales are usually at the highest for many commodities during this season every year. At the end of 2019, research reports that 93.4% of American consumers bought Christmas gifts. Averagely, an individual spent $882.45 on Christmas gifts, food, decorations, travel and other miscellaneous holiday-related expenses. I’m sure the statistics from other countries including Nigeria would also reveal the spending culture of individuals during this yuletide season. So we love to show kindness at the time of the year.
Talking about Holiday Kindness, I read the story of a kind-hearted businessman in Phoenix, Arizona, USA – who wanted to spread some “Christmas love” to his community. He hired a homeless man named Moses Elder to hand out $100 bills to strangers who he believed demonstrated kindness or a need for generosity. Elder was given $3,000 in total for his mission, and he started by standing on the street and holding out a cup to ask pedestrians for loose change. Some people hurried past him, while others stopped and offered him their money. Those who did were in for a complete surprise. In exchange for acknowledging him, Elder would hand them a $100 bill and thank them for their “kind heart”. Many people who received the cash gifts had to fight back tears completely blown away by the turn of event – The benefactors becoming the beneficiaries of their own kindness. In an interview with CBS evening news, the businessman who preferred to be called “The Secret Santa” said; “You know, kindness is a bridge between all people and so if you’re ever down, and you want to lift yourself up, go do something kind for somebody.“
While acts like these are so heart-warming, you really don’t have to break the bank to
spread the spirit of Hope and Love to people around us. Here are 3 simple ways to spread some holiday kindness this Christmas;
- Pay Someone a Heartfelt Compliment
We tend to underestimate the power of simple, sincere compliments. Compliments are easy to give and they are so appreciated. You never know who may need some cheering up especially considering the way the year 2020 has turned out. An unsolicited kind word from you can completely make someone’s day. An American author, Mark Twain talked about his regard for compliments saying, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” So this season, seize every opportunity, say something nice to someone. - Donate to a Cause
Just like every one of us, you have something that pulls a string or two in your heart. Things you like to do to make the lives of others better. The truth is, several individuals or organizations are already championing these causes, you can support them by getting involved or simply sending a donation. For example, do you want to help the less privileged? You can visit a motherless home or join your friends to support people in underserved communities. It can also be as simple as dropping spare change into charitable causes in your immediate environment or giving an extra hand to workers in a community project. Such acts of kindness will go a long way to put smiles on the faces of people. - Show Gratitude to People Who Have Helped You.
One way or the other, you have been helped by someone this year. This is a good time to show them some appreciation. Whether they helped you to climb the career ladder, stay on a job or even simply provided services to make your life easier, make up your mind to do something nice for them. Imagine what your goodwill will do to your sanitation workers, children’s teachers, secretaries, etc. Treating them well this season and beyond will make them see how important they are to you.
Friend, as you plan for the holiday celebrations, do not forget that kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. Spreading love wherever you find yourself makes the world a better place.
Remember, You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!
