During the holiday season, there’s a lot to do in a short period of time. And we all know it can be an expensive time of year with gift exchanges, outings, hosting parties, cooking, baking and decorating. It’s also a common time of year to bring neighbors treats and give a little something extra to people in our lives who make our lives easier, like the mail carrier or the UPS driver. That’s a lot going on! So, with that in mind, I’m trying something new this year.
I’ve decided to simplify the holiday season and spread the love all year long. The first thing I’m eliminating is bringing my neighbors treats. As much as I love doing that, there are a few drawbacks. When I bake, I need to get the goodies where they need to go in a timely manner which often means running out in the dark and rain because it’s Seattle and it’s dark and rainy. It also means that if I don’t get the goods out to people quickly, I eat them and then I have to start over. It’s already challenging for all of us to eat healthy at the holidays, so I figure why not let this little tradition go.
Instead, I’m going to bring my neighbors spring flowers with a little poem I wrote to go with it. Here, I’ll share it in case you want to borrow it. Hopefully they like this spring twist!
The holidays are busy
and full of treats,
so I’m bringing you a spring gift
this year instead of holiday sweets.
-Monika
When you are trying to buy something for teachers, the mail carrier, the UPS delivery person, etc. it adds up quickly, even if you only give a $5 gift card. So, here’s the next step in my master plan of giving. I made a list in my Goals & Habits journal of the many people I can do something nice for all year long. Now I can just look at my list each month and choose one person or place that I am going to do something nice for. This is not for donations to a charity, this is only for people that affect my life throughout the year. There’s an envelope with a thank you note and a Starbucks card taped to my door at this very moment for the UPS guy. I really wish we ‘d get a package soon.
My hope is these small acts with come as a pleasurable surprise to make someone’s day and let them know they are appreciated. It’s also fun for me to spread the love and doing it a little at a time is easier for me. So, I’ll see if it feels weird at the holidays or feels great, but I’m having fun with my little acts of kindness now. Who can you do something nice for this week?
Courtesy of my Efficient Organization column in the Lake Stevens Ledger.
