Give Back - Just Because It's Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, instead of giving thanks for all that you have, be thankful that you have the ability to help those who have not.  I’m sure all of us can look back fondly on a time when we gave ourselves helplessly to others.  And I’m sure all of us wish we had a bit more time to give back.  Devote this holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving dinner, to making someone else’s day a little brighter – just because.

An easy and fun way to get your whole family involved is to pledge to perform a kind act between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.  If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, choose the kind acts ahead of time and write them on small cards.  Simply fold the card into a linen napkin at each place setting.  When your guests unfold their napkins to place on their laps, their “kindness card” will reveal itself.  Explain that each person is required to do as the card says before the year’s end.  Tell them to feel free to share and swap and give each other pointers.  If someone asks why, simply smile and say, “Just because.”  Then sit back and watch the holiday magic unfold.

Some “kindness card” ideas to get you started:

•  Send a “Get Well” card to a sick child at your local hospital
• Volunteer an afternoon at a soup kitchen
• Carpool  (your wallet and the environment will thank you)
• Smile and give a friendly greeting to a complete stranger
• Generously over-tip
• Send pet food to the ASPCA
• Plant a tree/Nurse a houseplant back to health
• Pick up litter (even if you are not the culprit)
• Say “I love you,” especially if you’re angry
• Hug someone who is having a bad day

There is no better way to recapture the true spirit of the holidays than to give the gift of kindness.  Just think how happy you’ll be in knowing you played a part in making it the best year yet – and it all started with your Just Because Thanksgiving Dinner.