The 12 Do's of Christmas: Embracing Kindness this Holiday Season

We each have our own ways and traditions that we celebrate daily and on a seasonal basis.

As we celebrate this month and next, I have my favourite 12 Do’s of Christmas that I want to share, hoping it can bring you some peace this Chris-stress-mas.

1. Do Show Kindness. Spread kindness wherever you go. A simple act of kindness, whether a smile, a helping hand, or a heartfelt compliment can make someone’s day brighter. Kindness is the true essence of the holiday spirit.

2. Do Practice Gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life and tell your family and friends how much they are loved and appreciated.

3. Do Stay Positive. Life is hard, and this time of year can be very stressful. But remember, positivity can be contagious. Maintain a positive outlook. Focus on the good, even in challenging situations and inspire others to do the same.

4. Do Prioritize Self-Care. As you bake, buy, and bustle through the busy holiday season, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, reading a book, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care helps keep gas in your tank to plow through, and who knows, even enjoy a bit of it as well!

5. Do Keep Active. Stay active. It helps maintain your energy and overall well-being. There are many obligatory activities we have to do, like driving all over and running errands, but try to find time for fun activities like a family walk, active games, ice skating, or an in-home (Pitbull) dance party into the mix!

6. Do Spend Time with Family and Friends. This is what it is all about, right?

7. Do Take Care of Others. As much as we focus on our circle of friends and family this time of year, we look for ways to support those in need. Volunteering, donating to charities, or simply being there for someone lonely or struggling can make a difference.

8. Do Celebrate Traditions. Embrace and cherish your holiday traditions, whether long-standing family customs or new ones you create. Traditions are a way to bring family together, keep the past alive, and bring new traditions to life. One tradition I’ll share

is we will take an entire day or two and cook while we watch back-to-back Christmas

movies with a big puzzle in front of us. 

9. Do Say Thank You. This is a fave of mine. This time of year, more than ever, the service industry sees its share of challenging customers. The retail staff, the couriers, restaurant servers and people in transportation are working hard for you. Do something nice for them if you can, but a heartfelt thank you goes a long way. If you can, show appreciation to those who serve you this holiday season.

10. Do Stay Mindful. Be present in the moment. Enjoy the season’s sights, sounds, and smells wherever you are. Mindfulness helps you fully experience and appreciate what is good right now.

11. Do Give Thoughtfully. I practise this as much as possible. When giving gifts, I like to focus on the thought and care behind them rather than the cost. Personalized and meaningful gifts often carry more value than expensive ones. The people receiving them will also appreciate the thought more than the gift. We like to replace most gift-giving within our family and business with charitable donations.

 12. Do Reflect and Plan. Christmas also means a new year is rapidly approaching. Take some time to reflect on the past year and theme if you created one, and plan for the year ahead. Let’s move into 2025 with a clear and positive mindset.

What are your 12 Do’s this holiday season? Remember, the season’s true spirit lies in love, gratitude, kindness, and connection. Merry Christmas!

Darci