The holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year, but they’re also a time for spreading love and kindness. If you’re looking for some simple ways to show appreciation, here are six ideas!
1. Compliment a stranger
This is one of the easiest, but most uplifting ways to spread joy. Tell someone in class that they’re smart, or someone around campus that you like their outfit. An unexpected compliment is one of the nicest things to hear (just don’t get creepy).
2. Pay it forward
College students generally don’t have a lot of money to give away during the holidays, but there are lots of affordable and easy ways to pay it forward this holiday season. You can donate old clothes to a secondhand shop like Salvation Army, leave an extra five dollars at Starbucks for the next person’s meal, or give blood. These are just a couple of the many ideas, and there are even more options during the holiday season!
3. Caroling
This one might be more difficult, but if you can find a group to go caroling with, caroling can be one of the most fun holiday activities! If not, jamming out to holiday songs with your roomies can be a great stress reliever for everyone.
4. Decorate
Putting up cute decorations in your room and on your door will not only make you and your roomies more cheerful, they can also spread the joy to others in your hall. If you want to be extra nice, you can even leave out some candy as a holiday treat.
5. Spread the Love
The holidays can be stressful, but when it comes down to it, the holidays are about showing appreciation for your loved ones. You can stress about gifts all you want, but telling your friends and family how much you love them in a heartfelt note might even be better than a present.
6. Say thank you
This one might seem obvious, but one of the simplest ways to spread kindness is to show genuine gratitude. You never know how another person is feeling, so showing appreciation, even for something small, can really lift someone’s spirits and make them feel valued.