12 Days of Christmas Kindness Countdown (Free Printable)
What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by doing random acts of kindness? This 12 Days of Christmas Kindness Countdown calendar is a fun and creative way for kids and families to spread some holiday cheer.
12 Random Acts of Christmas Kindness
The holidays are such a special time of year.
The lights. The food. The fun and laughter with family and friends.
It’s also the time of year when we remember what’s important in life—love, kindness, and giving to others.
The past few years have been a challenge for so many and there has never been a better time to spread joy and love throughout our communities and homes.
But let’s be honest, most kids are too excited and focused on their Christmas List to stop and think about others.
The best way to teach kids that it’s better to give than to receive is to give them opportunities to experience the way it feels to be kind and generous to others without expecting anything in return.
As parents, this is something that we can encourage through random acts of kindness.
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging activity to teach your kids about the importance of kindness and giving to others, this Christmas Kindness Countdown is the perfect family holiday tradition.
Once your kids see first hand how good it feels to bring joy and happiness to others they’ll be as excited for this Christmas tradition as they are for the arrival of their Elf on the Shelf.
This free Trim Santa’s Beard Christmas countdown includes 12 random acts that can be completed by children or families alike.
Ideas include baking cookies for elderly neighbors, smiling at everyone you see, donating blankets to a homeless shelter, and taking treats to the local police or fire station (and many more)!
Kids will love using this different type of advent calendar! Each day they will trim off another layer of “Santa’s Beard” after they complete the random act of kindness listed.
Not only will they learn the importance of generosity, but it is also a great way to visually represent how many days are left until Christmas.
Here’s what’s included:
1. Hide Dollar Bills Around The Dollar Store
Spread a little holiday cheer by leaving a few dollars tucked into shelves in your local Dollar Store. This small gesture will brighten someone’s day and remind them that there are kind people in the world.
2. Offer to Return Someone’s Shopping Cart
Elderly shoppers and busy moms with kids will truly appreciate this random act of Christmas kindness. Just offer to return someone’s cart and you’ll save them time and make their day.
3. Give a Hot Drink to Someone Working in the Cold
Load up in the car with a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee and look for someone who is working outside in the cold. Crossing guards, construction workers, and groundskeepers will all be happy to receive a hot drink.
4. Put Change in a Row of Vending Machines
This random act of holiday kindness is the perfect way to spread some joy with your extra change. Simply find a row of vending machines in your office or local mall and drop your change into the slot. The next person to come along will be pleasantly surprised by your generosity.
5. Take Treats to the Fire or Police Station
The holidays are a wonderful time to thank the first responders who risk their lives every day to keep your homes and communities safe. Surprise them with some homemade or store-bought goodies to show your appreciation.
6. Donate to a Local Food Bank
The holidays are a busy time for food banks. Help them keep their shelves full of non-perishable foods and pantry staples. By donating these items, you’ll be helping families who are struggling to make ends meet and make the holidays a more joyful time for them.
7. Deliver Pet Food to an Animal Shelter
This random act of Christmas kindness is perfect for animal lovers. If you enjoy spending time with furry friends, then take some dog or cat food to an animal shelter. For a small donation, you’ll be providing food for the animals until they find their forever homes. Other needed items include blankets for bedding and wood shavings for smaller pets.
8. Smile At Everyone You See
This gift is totally free and will brighten someone’s day. The next time you’re out and about, smile at everyone who crosses your path – even if they are not smiling at you. You never know what kind of day they are having and it might be just the cheer someone needs to make them smile back!
9. Take Blankets and Mittens to a Homeless Shelter
Every year, thousands of men and women are living on the streets without shelter. Share your holiday spirit by taking blankets or mittens to a homeless shelter. You’ll help keep people warm and safe from the elements during the cold winter months.
10. Bake Cookies for an Elderly Neighbor
Nothing spreads joy like a plate of warm, fresh-baked cookies. Deliver the treats to an elderly neighbor and you’ll brighten their day while also spreading some Christmas cheer!
11. Compliment a Family Member
It’s true that those we are closest to are the ones we take for granted. All it takes is a second to tell someone how much you appreciate them. This is the perfect gift for siblings, parents, cousins, and grandparents. They will enjoy knowing that you appreciate them and they’ll feel great after hearing your kind words.
12. Leave a Treat for Postal and Delivery Workers
Mail carriers and delivery people work hard through the holiday season to ensure that Christmas gifts arrive on time. Help make them feel noticed and appreciated by leaving a bag of treats by the door for them to find.
Christmas Kindness Ideas Printable
These 12 days of Christmas kindness ideas will teach children the spirit of giving to others, while also teaching them about the true meaning behind this holiday season.
To get started, simply grab your copy of the printable below (it’s a free instant download) and have fun spreading joy and generosity to others as you countdown the days until Christmas.
More Fun Holiday Ideas:
12 Days of Christmas – Random Acts of Kindness
