Pay It Forward

Sometimes it’s the little things that make your day. While we were at Target this week, the girls and I were approached by an older man who asked if they would like a Christmas card. He handed them a “Hug Coupon” that they could give to someone who needed a hug. It was a small gesture but they loved the idea. It came with a wish for a happy holiday season, and when I looked at the card he handed me, there was also a $20 Target gift card!

I said he must have not meant to hand that to me, but he just smiled and said, “No, no, that’s for you too. Keep smiling this winter.”

What a beautiful gesture on a very normal day.

And while we could have used the card at checkout, the girls and I agreed that we should pay this gift forward. It’s been a hard year, but harder for so many others. We’re passing this gift on to others in need.

Find a way this season to pay it forward. Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. Bring a bag of food to your local food pantry. Visit an elderly neighbor and ask about their childhood holidays. Share a smile whenever you can. Bring a bag of cookies to your local fire or police station, or send them in to your child’s school. Thank a health care worker.

Or simply be a good human in person. Kindness and generosity of spirit go a long way.

Happy Holidays, all!