Thanksgiving is only a few days away, but before you dig into that turkey and stuffing, take a minute to think about what you’re thankful for. Sure, we all have our bad days, but who or what makes your life just a little bit brighter? Is it your fam, your BFF, even your teacher? Is it random acts of kindness? Helping others out?
This Thanksgiving, make sure your loved ones know you appreciate them. After you've told your friends and fam how much ya care spread the love to others, too. Showing you care is the perf way to kick-start the holiday season. Here's how.
Love Letters
“Words can’t even express how I feel…” but they can sure come close. Write a heartfelt letter letting someone know just how special they are to you. If it’s mom or dad, sis or bro, slip it somewhere you know they’ll find it, like their purse, on their pillow or front and center at their desk. Penning one out to a pal? Stick it in her locker or her purse when she's not looking. What a pleasant surprise!
Want something a little less ol’ fashioned? Shoot someone an email or text thanking them and wishing them a good day. Yeah, it's simple and short, but it's also a quick and easy way to brighten anyone's day. Even better, give them a call! They’ll love to hear your voice sending well-wishes their way. Hey, even if it's just a simple "Thank you" or compliment to a person at the supermarket, it's sure to go a long way.
Helping Hands
When you’re busy juggling school work, extra currics, and a social life, it’s hard to find time to do much else. Everyone can use a little help now and then, so give someone you love a helping hand. Clean up the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner without mom naggin' ya to, share your math genius with your friend little sis study for that impossible exam, or help out your friend with her hairdo and makeup for her family dinner.
If you're feeling super do-gooder, give thanks by giving back! Find a local organization or peeps that could use your help—tutoring underprivileged kids, babysitting for a single parent down the street at a discount price, organizing a play for a nursing home—and get going.
Sweet Treats
Seriously who doesn’t love a yummy treat every now and then? Bake your BFF her fave brownies or surprise mom and dad with a yummy pumpkin pie when they get back from the office. Wrap your delish dessert up in cellophane and tie it shut with a pretty ribbon. Attach a little note with a thankful message inside. Whatever you decide to make, it’s sure to be sweet…literally!
Or, make some sweet stuff for strangers. Bake up a mega-batch of oatmeal cookies and find a soup kitchen near you where you can drop 'em off. Another option? Hold a bake sale and donate the profits to a charity of your choice.
-Kristen Yeung
BLOG IT OUT! How do you show your thanks and appreciation? Do you do any charity work to give back to your community? Tell us!
BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/21/2009 8:00:00 AM 27 COMMENTS