Nancy Kuhuski

I didn’t see him when I pulled into the parking garage. As I got out of my car, there he was laying on some cardboard pulled from the recycling bin, unmoving and sound asleep. It had dipped into the 30’s overnight and was far from warm out. As I let myself into my office my heart was grieved and I knew I needed to do something – but what? My thoughts flitted to what I want when I wake up in the morning – a cup or high quality, pleasantly hot coffee. So, I proceeded to make him a cup of really good, pleasantly hot coffee and take it to him. He was so grateful, telling me this would really help him warm up and thanking me over and over… a simple act of humanity… a simple act of kindness…

This is just one example of what a Random Act of Christmas Joy might look like! We are one week away from the second annual season of Random Acts of Christmas Joy, and we are SO excited!! Last year three grad school friends and I shared a compelling desire to do something to infuse a little kindness into our world that felt rocked by discourse. This became a passion project and we were thrilled with the resulting stories and the joy we got to share in! It was such a great success, we are starting just slightly earlier this year! Between 11/24/17 – the day after Thanksgiving and 12/25/17 – Christmas day, we encourage people to commit to doing a random act of kindness each day. Everyone can do something! An individual, couple, family, friends group, faith group, office, young children to senior citizens… We can all commit Random Acts of Christmas Joy!!

You might buy coffee for the person behind you in line, or smile as you hold the door for someone. You might drop by a local nursing home and find out who doesn’t get visitors and spend 30 minutes letting them know that they matter and still have value, or you might bake cookies and take them to your neighbor, or your local fire station. The possibilities are endless! Check out our website for ideas!                                                                          https://randomactsofchristmasjoy.wordpress.com

We are coming into a season that can so easily be overrun with busyness and a focus on all the things we must get done. This is an opportunity to slow down and focus on others around you. In doing so, you will be bringing joy not only into their lives, but you will find a deep satisfaction and joy yourself!

Imagine what would happen if we embraced this throughout our neighborhoods: random acts of kindness popping up all over the place…A smile put on the face of an unsuspecting stranger, your own heart growing as you shower sparkles of joy, and your community being impacted by kindness. We could start a movement friends!! #RandomActsOfChristmasJoy

Will you join us? Will you commit to a season of Random Acts of Christmas Joy? If you do, we would really love to hear your stories and invite you to share what happens along the way! They inspire others, and they inspire us! You can also like our Facebook page for updates, ideas, and ongoing information. It’s also a place we can share joy together! https://www.facebook.com/RandomActsOfChristmasJoy/

Let’s start a movement of kindness this Christmas Season!