The week before Thanksgiving, we set out a basket with slips of paper where patrons could share their thankful thoughts. 
Responses included: family- mommy, my dad, sister- friends, my dog, yummy food, my house, the “libary”, my doll Julie, making snowmen, and even Miss Carolyn got a shout out! But this was our favorite:
This holiday season from Thanksgiving through the New Year, there are many ways to consider being thankful and spreading kindness and good cheer to others. Here are a few books we have for children…
These books could be used as a discussion starter about simple things to do for others in a “pay it forward” kind of way. What are some simple things to do for family or neighbors that show kindness and that only require time, effort, or minimal cash? Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Let someone go ahead of you in line
- Send cards to soldiers or nursing homes
- Donate gently used books or toys to others
- Shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk or driveway
- Bring a neighbor’s trash containers up the driveway
- Carry groceries for someone
- Open or hold the door for someone
- Give thank you cards to people: bus driver, custodian, parents
- Do a chore for somebody
- Cheerfully do your own chores
- Say hello to everyone you see, and share a smile
- Give someone a compliment
- Donate canned goods to a food pantry, or supplies to an animal shelter
- Sing carols in your neighborhood
- Make a bird feeder for your feathered friends
- Clear the snow off someone’s car
- Help a sibling with homework
- Bake cookies and share with a friend or neighbor
- Call a relative just to say hello
- Read to a younger child…or an older person…or anyone!
Any of these small things can show someone you care and brighten their day, not just during the holidays, but all year long!