KINDNESS ON THE SHELF

Last year I bought the book and the character of “The Elf on the Shelf” for my toddler Grandsons.  This year, as it came time to get out the Christmas decorations, we watched a TV show about the elf on the Shelf.  I suddenly had a very uneasy feeling about the whole thing.  I don’t like the idea of the Elf more or less “spying” on the children and reporting back to Santa about their behavior.  Not something I want to encourage.

Just yesterday a friend told me about an alternative that has shown up in recent years.  It is a “Kindness elf" who also shows up in unexpected places in children’s homes daily during December.  But instead of spying on them, he carries a little note giving then a specific suggestion about how they might show kindness that day.  “Hug 5 people today”.  “Tell 4 peoiple that you love them.”  “Visit someone who needs to have a friend.”  “Bake cookies and give them to your friends.” etc.etc.  This seems like such a much better activity than being spied on!

It also occurred to me that we adults could have such an adventure too!  We could be asked to “write a letter to a friend”, or “donate to a new charity” or even consider kindness to ourself.  Maybe today’s note says “spend an hour reading and sipping a hot drink”. or “Write a letter to two friends”. or “put candles on the table tonight at dinner”. 

I plan to create a list of little kindness notes for my Grandchildren’s Elf. And also I may create 25 little notes to myself to read each day about being kind to others and to myself.  The gift of kindness being spread into the world is perhaps one of the most important things we can do.  Will you join me?

KINDNESS DOESN’T WEAR BOOTS

Kindness doesn’t wear boots,

or need a spotlight

or keep a tally of debts.

It doesn’t seek recruits

or insist on being right.

It doesn’t fish with a net.

It doesn’t wear fancy suits

or make things tight

or harbor regrets.

It simply sees what matters most

and offers itself.

~Penny Hackett-Evans