We went to IKEA over the weekend and just as we walked in the door, an older man sitting on a couch called out to us. I looked his way and unfortunately was a little suspicious. With all the trouble in the world these days, my mind immediately thought PREDATOR and DON’T MAKE EYE CONTACT.
But then the man proceeded to say, “Why did the banana go to the doctor?”
I knew where this was going and I had my boys at a safe distance, so we all responded with, “Why?”
Then the man announced happily, “Because he wasn’t PEELING well!”
I laughed out loud because y’all know how I feel about a good pun. As we walked away, though, Noah, my super cautious one, said to me, “That was weird,” and I responded, “That was unexpected – but you know what? My discernment says that sweet old man simply wanted to spread a little joy and this world could use more of that!”
Can-I-get-an-Amen??
Today I am sharing 5 simple ways that you can spread a little joy and kindness in your world during these cold, winter days – and hopefully no one will give you the suspicious side-eye. 🙂
Bring Someone a Hot Chocolate
For just a few dollars, grab a hot chocolate from Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Then deliver to your child’s teacher, someone who works outside, a neighbor, or the person behind you in line. Include one of THESE FREE Printable Jesus Loves You SNOW Much cards with the steaming cup and now you’re also sharing the Gospel. Win-win.
Send a Box of Cozy
A few weeks ago I got home from work and found a package at our doorstep. Inside the package were 4 pairs of cozy socks and 4 packages of hot cocoa mix sent from a dear friend who lives in Texas. It was so simple, yet so MAGICAL. Even Mr. B. was excited about his new socks and has worn them almost every day since. Pick a family or friend and mail them a box of cozy! You could also include THESE FUNNY SNOWMAN JOKE CARDS in the package. It will be sure to brighten the recipient’s day. And feet. 🙂
Surprise the Mail Carrier
Speaking of mail, I love to bless our mail carrier. I have a cute FREE Printable Snowman Thank You SNOW Much Wrapper that you can wrap around a microwavable bag of popcorn and place inside your mailbox as a happy surprise expression of gratitude. You can find that FREE Printable HERE.
Shovel Someone’s Snow
Do you live somewhere snowy? How about getting up a little earlier and shoveling a walkway for your neighbors? My dad used to do stuff like that all the time when I was growing up in New Jersey and we had heavy snowfall. What a blessing for the recipient to walk outside and see the work already done!
Deliver Soup
Soup just feels right at the end of a long, cold day. As you are preparing a big batch for your family, why not set aside a small tupperware for the widow down the street or the bachelor at church? Check out this tummy Roasted Tomato Soup or this easy Taco Soup for some recipe ideas. Running short on time? Pick up a cup of chicken noodle soup from Boston Market and deliver to someone who is under the weather. Include a note that says, “We think you’re SOUP-er!”
There I go with those puns.
Let’s just say a weird guy at IKEA inspired me. 😉
How do you like to spread kindness in the wintertime?
Joyfully,
Julie
Love the mail carrier idea! Even though the snow is all but melted here in Ohio, I am going to put this out today! Our mail carrier has had to work so hard through this bitter cold and snow these past several weeks! I am sure he will appreciate this! Love your emails and blog!
This is a great ide I love to check out your page thank you so much for all you do love in Christ a.
Last winter I gave a “sunshine” box to a neighbor and sent one to my sister-in-law. It contained yellow items like post it notes, chips, candy, Sunny D,, gum, anything that popped out at me. They were struggling with our cold, snowy winter. It brightened their days.
Thank you for your printable’s! I have enJOYed printing and getting joy warmed in my 66 yr old heart for act of kindness and giving into this giving of holy season of Christmas!
Merry Joyful Christmas