Christmas In July
For the record, I have never done Christmas In July.
I have never done a gift exchange, or a dinner or anything like that. It’s summer! I’m at the beach!
But, I love Christmas, and will never turn down tidings of comfort and joy. I just refuse.
Even recently, I've started to think about sweaters and leggings and scarves and it's too soon, but my brain doesn't realize that. I'm not going to break its/my heart, so we’re just going to keep that little fact to ourselves.
However, Christmas is the time of year where we focus on spreading love and joy. People are kinder, more patient and more generous in December than in any other month of the year. I know that it’s because of the “Christmas spirit”, but I wonder,
"Why don't we do that kind of thing year round?"
I mean, general kindness and generosity just seem like something we can't get enough of.
Summer is typically a time that our energies are focused on relaxing and rejuvenating ourselves and slowing down. It’s a busy time, almost everyone is vacationing at some point, and we start to think about ourselves more and others less. I’m all for prioritizing some self-care and rest, but I think I have a little room for some love and joy as well.
As a result, I came up with a list of things we can do to spread a little kindness, even in July.
Christmas In July Kindness Ideas
Pay for the coffee, lunch, etc. of the person behind you
Bake treats for local law enforcement, firefighters, etc.
Leave a cooler of water by your door for postal workers.
Write a letter of encouragement to a friend or family member
Pick up trash when hiking or at the beach (or anywhere!)
Sit at the end of your driveway with a cooler of freeze pops, and hand them out to kids playing.
Donate clothes, toys and baby items to a women's shelter.
Purchase or donate toward fans and A/C units for the elderly.
Return shopping carts.
Put pinwheels in your front yard, and have a sign for children to grab a free pinwheel.
The next time you have a cookout, invite a new friend or coworker.
Bring your neighbor's trash can up for them.
Donate groceries to a local food pantry.
Hold the door for someone behind you.