Random acts of kindness this christmas

LEJC

I thought I would start a thread where people could either talk about what they have done in kind for someone else this christmas or have received from someone.


I appreciate that not everyone is financially able to perhaps buy a present for an unknown person but its also the little thoughtful gestures or even taking the time the to have a conversation with someone who you wouldnt normally speak to that might make their day!


so far this week I've passed on a car parking ticket to a very grateful man after I had to overpay because the machine wasn't giving change...I still had 5 hours outstanding on the ticket so felt that to save it going to waste I'd pass it on as I left.....one very grateful guy!


Last night husband and I were out having a pub tea whist waiting for son to finish an activity and whilst ordering at the bar my husband was watching an elderly gentleman count out this money for a half pint...and then asked the barman to put the remaining cost of a pint on our bill and serve the man a pint insted af a half....it wasnt a big deal to us but the elderly man was so very chuffed


So have you given something or your time to someone else this week or perhaps next week as a random act of kindness for christmas

I didnt know either person I gave too,and neither was I expecting anything in return....just the knowledge that perhaps I had made someone a little brighter for a few moments

I wonder if you've been on the receiving end of a kind gesture does it make you more likely to pass another random act of kindness on to someone else?


I'm not suggesting that you should only be kind at christmas,in reality its an ongoing thing throughout the year and I know there are plenty of people who give time,kind words or gifts as part of their everyday lives....but I just wondered if anyone wanted to share their experiences in one thread of how you are helping others at christmas.....

Cotta

A work colleague brought in a large consortium of doughnuts for everyone in the office, this happens all year around with little treats brought in by various people. Today however, it has the message "Happy Christmas".

On a similar vein or company give everyone an extra days paid holiday this Christmas, to be honest both treats were very much appreciated.

aileth

I let my husband out of his dungeon for a stroll.

Does that count?

dandelionclock30

A act of kindness would be to say to everyone that your not doing any presents this year and you dont want anything from them.
This relives people from having to get things when nobody wants to do it.My friends have done this for years.
People should act with kindness and respect for others at all times of the year not just xmas. Financial giving often doesnt have that much to do with kindness often more with obligation etc.

gingin_2

I've just been out shopping. We have in the shopping mall what's called a "giving tree". you have cards with a child's name and age on it in the community who are living with various difficulties and you buy them a present, attach the tag and drop it in a big box for them. Queuing up to pay I see a lady I vaguely know who I know doesn't have a lot herself but has an armful of lovely items, I was thinking to myself "oohhh my daughter would love those" and then I see tucked underneath her arm is a tag for a child for the giving tree. I saw her pop the bag in the box and you just know that some child is going to be made up that someone has been so thoughtful.

aileth

gingin wrote: »

I've just been out shopping. We have in the shopping mall what's called a "giving tree". you have cards with a child's name and age on it in the community who are living with various difficulties and you buy them a present, attach the tag and drop it in a big box for them. Queuing up to pay I see a lady I vaguely know who I know doesn't have a lot herself but has an armful of lovely items, thinking "oohhh my daughter would love those" and tucked underneath that is a tag for a child for the giving tree. I saw her pop the bag in the box and you just know that some child is going to be made up that someone has been so thoughtful.

That's a wonderful idea, I'd love something like that here.

kingfisherblue

I run Rainbows and Brownies, and this year our local domestic violence unit were very happy to receive a variety of gifts for their clients. The girls each donated and wrapped one gift. I had a clear out of my Christmas stash and donated several items that were appropriate, but I know I am not likely to use. We sent three bin bags of gifts, so hopefully that will make a difference to those who have had to leave the family homes due to abusive relationships. It isn't much for what they have been through, but it is something. As we gave them on the night of our concert, it also raised awareness of the issue.

A couple of weeks ago I taught a 12 year old girl how to make sock cupcakes. She was delighted, and it only took a few minutes of my time.

Time is something that I give as much as I can - I volunteer for Guiding, a local community centre, and a local group that supports disabled children and their families. It's only a few hours a week, but hopefully makes a difference to people's lives. Seeing the girls develop in Guiding is fantastic, sometimes going from a shy Rainbow to a confident (but often still quiet) Guide, can take a number of years, but looking back to see how far they have come is very rewarding.

gingin_2

aileth wrote: »

That's a wonderful idea, I'd love something like that here.

It's organised by our local radio.

https://www.graftoncentre.co.uk/giving_tree.aspx

It's really heartwarming. You see lots of people donating.

Christmasfairy

aileth wrote: »

I let my husband out of his dungeon for a stroll.

Does that count?

:rotfl:

This made me laugh.

I haven't killed my Inlaws yet. I class that as very very kind. Saintly almost

Tiddlywinks

Hmm - I might seem like a bit of a miserable old git but I don't think that you should be boastful of an act of kindness... it takes the shine off.

Unless you only did it to impress...

LEJC

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Hmm - I might be a bit o a miserable old git but I don't think that you should be boastful of an act of kindness... it takes the shine off.

I'm sorry you feel that way about my post...I can assure you it wasn't intended in any way as a boastful statement...


In fact I think I was hoping to encourage other to think of others over the festive period...if my post makes one person think of giving to another then its been useful in my opinion...and as I said its not purely financial it the giving of time or words that may help someone else out.

Even I have to say giving someone the remaining time on a parking ticket...or £1.53 to top up a half to a pint is hardly an act that would be designed to impress....and I was not expecting anything in return, they were random people who I dont even know!