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DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar: Spread Joy this December

With the festive season just around the corner, many of us are looking for ways to embrace the spirit of giving and compassion. This year, why not create a DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar? It’s a delightful way to count down to Christmas while encouraging meaningful acts of goodwill towards others. Plus, it’s an opportunity to engage family and friends in creating a sense of community.

What is an Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar?

An Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar is a creative twist on the traditional countdown to Christmas. Instead of receiving chocolate or trinkets each day, participants are prompted to perform a kind act — whether it’s something small like sharing a compliment or larger gestures like volunteering. This calendar not only adds to the festive spirit but nurtures empathy and reinforces the values of kindness and generosity.

How to Create Your Own DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

Creating your own DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar is simple and can be tailored to suit individuals, families, or groups. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Gather Your Materials:

• Cardstock or sturdy paper for printing
• Scissors
• String or ribbon
• Small envelopes or boxes
• Markers, stickers, or decorative elements
• A festive board or wall space to display your calendar

2. Choose Your Acts of Kindness:
Start by brainstorming a list of 24 kindness acts. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Write a heartfelt note to a friend.
• Donate old clothes to a local charity.
• Bake cookies for neighbours.
• Compliment a stranger.
• Volunteer at a community centre.
• Make a donation to a cause you believe in.

• Send a thoughtful message to someone you admire.

  Remember, these acts can vary in scale; the aim is to spread kindness without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Create Your Calendar:
Using your chosen materials, print or write each act of kindness on a small card or piece of paper. Decorate them as you wish. You can use coloured markers, stickers, or even washi tape to make them festive.

Next, place each card into an envelope or box, numbering them from 1 to 24. If space allows, you can hang them on a string or attach them to a wall display.

4. Set a Daily Reminder:
Each day in December leading up to Christmas, you will open one envelope or box and perform the act inside. If you’re doing this as a family, consider making it a daily ritual — gather together each morning to reveal and discuss the kindness act for the day.

5. Reflect on Your Kind Acts:
At the end of the month, take a moment to reflect on your experiences. Discuss what you felt while performing each act, and perhaps even share stories with those who received your kindness. This reflection can foster a deeper appreciation for the impact of your actions.

Free Printables

To help you get started, we have created a set of free printables for your DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar! These include:

• Printable kindness act cards.
• Numbered envelopes to hold each act.
• Calendar cover design for your display.

You can download these printables, customise them to your liking, and transform your December into a whirlwind of compassion and good deeds!

Conclusion

This Christmas season, step away from the traditional chocolate-filled calendars and embrace a new way to countdown — with kindness! The DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar is not only a fun project but also a meaningful way to introduce and celebrate generosity in your life and in the lives of others. By committing to a daily act of kindness, you will not only enrich your own festive experience but also spread a little love and cheer to those around you. So grab your materials, get creative, and let’s make this December truly unforgettable!