A Cup of Holiday Cheer
- Kim Lengling
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Imagine this: We are sitting at a cozy table by a frosted window. A dog or two snoozes at our feet, and the gentle hum of holiday music is in the background.
On the table between us sits a pot of freshly brewed coffee and some yummy pastry. Outside, snowflakes dance and swirl to the ground, painting our small part of the world in a soft blanket of white. It’s December in our neck of the woods, and the magic of the season is all around.
Goodness, I almost waxed poetic there, didn’t I?
I always find this time of year to be a mix of emotions: happiness, excitement, and, at times, sadness and depression.
For many, especially the young, a sense of wonder in the air tends to bring out the best in us, at least when we take a moment to breathe it all in. The way the world glows with twinkling lights, children's laughter echoing from the other room or outside as they throw snowballs or build a snowman. I love to see and hear kids playing in the snow with their noses red from the chill in the air and the excitement in their eyes.
What about the comforting sight of neighbors helping each other shovel the driveway or sidewalk? It’s all a reminder that kindness and connection make life so much sweeter.
So why does it seem that thoughtfulness and kindness disappear as soon as the holiday season passes?
What if we treated each day like a blank snow-covered canvas, ready to be painted by acts of kindness? It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Small things matter just as much. Smile at a stranger, hold the door open, or listen when someone needs to talk. Be a nugget of hope.
Think about it. Could each of us be like the steady flame of a candle, offering warmth and light, even in dark moments? Because, let’s face it, folks, the holiday season is not all cheerful and happy for everyone.
Many are struggling to make ends meet or have lost a loved one, and the holidays are a stark reminder of what they no longer have. Maybe an illness is present, or a person has no one to share the holiday with. Loneliness and depression are common during the holiday season, and there are many reasons a person may not feel the holiday spirit.
Be sure to check in on those who may not have family around or are struggling in some way. A simple phone call or visit with some fresh coffee and cookies may be just the thing to brighten someone’s day.
Now, as for our pets. Yep! You know I couldn’t write all this without mentioning pets, right?
One of my holiday traditions is giving extra love to my furry sidekick, Dexter.
Dogs, as you know, are natural-born kindness ambassadors. Their unconditional love and goofy joy remind us of how simple it is to bring happiness to someone else. If you’ve got a pup of your own, or even just a friend who does, consider taking a moment to revel in that tail-wagging magic. Take a long walk with your fur buddy and sink into the sights and sounds of nature and the joy your sidekick is experiencing.
Another idea to spread some extra cheer is to donate to or volunteer at your local animal shelter.
So here we are, sitting at the table, coffee mugs in hand. Okay. Our coffee cups are empty, and the goodies have been eaten.
Now, let’s make a pact. Let’s carry the spirit of the season into the new year. Let’s make kindness a daily habit and allow it to ripple outward. The world could always use more light, and who better to spark it than each of us?
So, here’s to you, reader, friend, fellow coffee enthusiast, and pet lover! May your holidays be filled with warmth, your coffee cup always full, and your days be graced with the magic of kindness and paw prints on your kitchen floor.
Now raise your cup! Cheers to keeping the holiday spirit alive year-round, one small act of kindness at a time!
Be well, stay well, and above all, be blessed.
Kim
Explore Kim’s newest books:
Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness – Stories that remind us that the smallest actions can create the biggest ripples.
15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness – Heartwarming lessons from the pets who love us best.
You can also tune in to the Let Fear Bounce Podcast for weekly conversations that inspire courage, hope, and a good laugh.