Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Don’t panic, but the countdown to Christmas is fast approaching (let’s not start counting the days just yet)! As the season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year just gone, while also looking forward to the holiday cheer ahead. Christmas is often depicted as a time of joy, happiness and love, and while that’s true for most people, unfortunately for some, it can elicit a complex array of emotions. Stress, anxiety, and loneliness are emotions that can arise during Christmastime. The pressure to create the ‘perfect’ holiday experience, combined with financial concerns, or stressful preparations leading towards the big day, can all weigh heavily on some people. The holiday season’s emphasis on social gatherings and gift-giving can also amplify feelings of exclusion or loneliness. Which is why, during this time, it’s important to consider how small acts of kindness can make all the difference. Here’s a countdown of small ways to foster kindness in the days leading up to Christmas. 

  1. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Random acts of kindness don’t have to be reserved just for the holiday season (but if you don’t do it regularly, now is a great time to start)! It’s those small gestures that can really make someone’s day like purchasing a coffee for the person standing in line after you, holding the door for a stranger or complimenting someone on their outfit. When it comes to children, these gestures can be a great display of kindness, allowing you to lead by example. And the best part about random acts of kindness – it benefits both the giver and the receiver! From a psychological perspective, giving to others triggers the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin (chemicals in the brain that can promote happiness and reduce stress). And for the receiver, they not only benefit from whatever the act of kindness is, but they also gain a sense of community and connection (helping to counteract feelings of isolation and enhancing self-esteem).

  1. VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is often considered a selfless act, but it can have positive psychological benefits on you too! It triggers the release of endorphins and oxytocin in the brain, which are associated with increased happiness. It also provides opportunities to meet new people, build relationships, and feel more connected to the community (which is really important during the holiday season). So where to start? Look for your local charity or community centre and enquire about occasions where you can be of service. Or better yet, get your whole family involved and teach children the value of giving back. 

  1. DONATE TOYS 

Christmas and the holiday season place a big emphasis on gift giving, but not everyone is in the financial positive to be as generous as they like. This means, there’s often many children that have to go without for reasons that are often beyond their parent’s control. This season, encourage your children to select a toy when you’re Christmas shopping or go through their toybox to find toys they no longer use. Then, donate them to a local charity or shelter. This act of kindness not only helps those in need, but also teaches children a valuable lesson about generosity and empathy.

  1. ORGANISE A NEIGHBOURHOOD DONATION DRIVE

Whether this activity focusses on the street that you live, or your whole neighbourhood, is entirely up to you! Start by letting your neighbours know that you’re collecting donated goods to give to your local charity. It works best if you choose a day or week leading up to Christmas where you can collect the goods or alternatively agree on a designated area or house that people can leave their donations. Then, get the family together to help out when gathering these items and take them to your local charity. By participating in charitable giving, children can grasp the importance of helping those less fortunate, helping to cultivate a mindset that prioritises compassion (which is essential for developing emotionally intelligent adults).

  1. CREATE A KINDNESS JAR

Encouraging acts of kindness during the holiday season is a great way to set children up to do it year-round. These acts of kindness can start easily in the home and a great way to do it is by setting up a kindness jar. Start by getting family members to write down acts of kindness they performed or witnessed on slips of paper. Then and add them to the jar and read them together at the end of every week. Incorporating these small yet impactful actions into your family’s routine, can create a ripple effect of kindness. 

  1. CREATE HANDMADE CARDS

Encourage your children to design and create handmade Christmas cards for family, friends, and even those living at local nursing homes. By making cards for others, children will learn to think about recipients’ feelings, thus helping them to develop empathy and social awareness. What’s more, a handmade card often carries more emotional weight than a store-bought one, with this personal touch bringing joy to the giver and receiver. 

  1. MAKE CARE PACKAGES

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to be mindful of those in need, but also teach your children some positive lessons when it comes to giving. Making care packages for those in need, like for homeless shelters, is a great way to encourage children to think about others. It not only provides immediate aid, but also offers children valuable lessons in empathy, gratitude, and community involvement (all of which can contribute positively to your child’s mental wellbeing). 


  1. VISIT A NURSING HOME

As we know, for some, the holiday season can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Residents of nursing homes can be particularly affected during this time and can often yearn for social interaction. Visiting a nursing home with your child is a positive activity because the presence of children during Christmas can trigger positive memories. Spending time with residents, whether sharing stories or playing games, can brighten their day, but it also helps children to form meaningful relationships with others. 

  1. HELP A NEIGHBOUR

We all know the holiday season can be a busy – or lonely – time for many people. Foster that community spirit by offering to help a neighbour, whether that be by taking their bins out for them, collecting their mail, or offering to do their groceries. Encourage your family members to get involved, promoting kindness and providing a great way to get to know your neighbours. 

  1. SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Singing Christmas carols is almost like a forgotten art, but did you know that the act of singing has numerous psychological benefits? From boosting mood, improving self-esteem, enhancing social connection, through to stimulating cognitive function, singing is a great way to spread some holiday cheer! Get your family together, learn the lyrics of your favourite Christmas carols, and bring back that cherished tradition! Bonus points if you sing for your local nursing home or hospital. 

 

Dr. Maria-Elena Lukeides is an Australian Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years experience in the field of psychology. She is the founder of The Wellness Fountain in Sydney, counselling clinics in Paddington and Clovelly that specialise in treating a wide range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. Find out more at www.drmariaelenalukeides.com.au or follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thewellnessfountain