Be someone's incognito angel this Christmas

A lot of people are in need of a miracle, an angel, a break. They are trying to keep their heads above the surface and relying on the kindness and goodness that still thrives in this world. It doesn’t take much to change somebody’s day, to give them that life jacket they so desperately need trying to tread the rough waters for so long. Things that don’t actually take up a lot of your time and energy can mean the whole world to somebody else.

Without further ado, and in the true spirit of Christmas, let’s lay out some suggestions you could take inspiration from to pay a good deed forward this season. You certainly won’t regret it and you will appreciate yourself more for it, and be appreciated by others. Knowing that you did good, knowing that you cared, knowing that kindness is really what makes this world go around.

Your ”stuff” could be someone else’s saving grace

Those unwanted / unused or extra clothes, bed linen, towels and other household items that you’ve been meaning to go through. Take the time to organise it, box it up and get in touch with a charity or organisation that specialises in distributing such items to families and people in need. I recently moved and there was so much to give-away. My realtor happened to be one of these distributors. I know, lucky right? He informed me later that the single mothers and struggling families were brought to tears with the care packages he delivered on my behalf. What a blessing for me, and them.

An invitation can make all the difference

That lonely old lady next door who never seems to have any family over, perhaps a colleague that doesn’t have any plans for Christmas Eve, or day, or New Years. Take a chance and invite somebody to your Christmas gathering, or out for a bite to eat, or an eggnog party. Whatever way it is that you chose to celebrate or spend time with this individual will be a great relief for them. They are probably starving for some quality socialising and starting to get severely depressed about spending the holidays by themselves. You can change that for them and lift their spirits in a lasting effect thereafter. You will also make a new friend, or improve the friendship of an acquaintance.

Visit a homeless shelter

People without homes need 4 things. Opportunities, human compassion, basic necessities and a place to live. Shelters are often overcrowded and for this reason can’t even accommodate all the people that want to enter. The rest are sent away to seek shelter on the street, under bridges or abandoned buildings. The majority of the population look at homeless people in disgust, judge them, abuse them or simply ignore them. Visit a homeless shelter and speak with the organisers / workers to see what the shelter might be in need of. You can also go around and talk to the inhabitants, hear their stories, see if you can do anything for them. It doesn’t have to be a costly thing for you, you don’t have to help everyone. Just doing something for one person is all it takes to change the world that little bit for the better.

Say yes! Life is too short not to

Someone might ask you to help out at a charity Christmas bazaar, say yes! A family member or someone you know with kids might be a bit tight on money. They would probably love a night out to wind down, though they’re possibly putting it off as they can’t afford to pay a babysitter. If they ask you, say yes! If they don’t ask you, just offer your free services anyway! That could be said with anyone who has a skill also. If you’re a massage therapist, nail technician, hair dresser or anything like that, think about who might need to be treated? That’s a great Christmas present to somebody. You could maybe offer these services as part of a charity event. Time to get connected!

Give people a break

You may have employees that want to travel home for Christmas but need that extended time off, or a little extra in their pay check. You can be sure your employees will respect you a whole lot more for it and their productivity will improve, as well as their loyalty strengthened. Don’t have employees? Giving a little of what you can afford to someone in need may make the difference with them eating that day or not.

Are you a prison guard or officer at the precinct? 

Release your inmates! The time for freedom is now! (Just kidding… That one was a joke.)

But really, I hope that you can find it within yourself to spread joy this season and make your moments matter. You don’t need to save the whales to be a good person. You don’t need give up all your spare time or money in order for it to count. All you need to have is compassion and the courage and will to act on it. Just one random act of kindness can have an unbelievable knock on effect that you wouldn’t imagine. Let’s spread love and warm some hearts this Christmas, wrapping the end of 2015 up in a beautiful red ribbon bow.