Is there anyone in December that isn’t stressed? Anyone?

Didn’t think so. Good thing we can still be kind when we’re feeling like the world is pushing against us. It’s not easy, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.  So please be mindful of it this month, and take some time to do something selfless for a friend or anyone, really. Here are some kindness ideas especially for the month of December.

Play Secret Santa for a Friend at Work

Some offices have a Secret Santa gift exchange already, but if yours doesn’t, consider leaving little gifts for a coworker friend throughout the month. It will brighten their day and make this busy month just a little bit more enjoyable. Make sure it’s appropriate in your office culture to do this.

Bake Cookies for a Friend

You don’t really need an excuse to bake cookies, but since December 4^th is National Cookie Day that’s as good a reason as any to put your baker’s hat on. Bring a batch of cookies over to a friend’s house as a surprise and then listen to how his or her day is going. The listening is the real gift. (The cookies are a bonus.)

Write a Thank You Note or Two

Thank you notes are such a rare thing these days. Many people use email or Facebook to give thanks, but a handwritten note doesn’t come along that often. That’s why it’s even more important to it, because it will make your friend feel special.

Since National Thank You Note Day is December 26^th, how about writing one or two for friends this month? Here are some ideas on when to write them:

• After you’ve just spent a great day together just hanging out.
• When they’ve been there for you after a health crisis.
• When they’ve given you a gift.
• For a long ago favor they did for you that still stays with you years later.

Hold an Ugly Sweater Party for Your Friends

Ugly Christmas sweaters have gone from uncool to totally cool. In fact, National Ugly Sweater Day is officially December 12^th, just in time to wear your worst sweater and drink some eggnog. Make this day fun by holding an ugly sweater contest at work or throwing a party at home for your friends.

Write a Friend a Haiku Poem

Ever tried to write a poem? December 22^nd is National Haiku Poetry Day, which celebrates this syllabic form of expression from the Japanese. Poetry has the ability to lift the spirit in a completely different way than a nice note can. It allows your friend to see beyond the words to the emotions behind them. For some friends, receiving a haiku written especially for them would make them special and cared about in a way unlike a Facebook post or shout out on Twitter.