Warm Hearts, Cold Days: Winter Acts of Kindness

By Melanie Gilbert

For many of us, winter can feel like an emotional deep freeze. The cold, the gray, the endless layers of clothing—it’s enough to make anyone want to hibernate in place.  We have an alternative: instead of just enduring winter, why not embrace it with a mission to spread kindness to others? Enter National Random Acts of Kindness week! To celebrate, we’ve created a list of unique, seasonally-themed acts of kindness to help you break free from the winter doldrums by spreading a little warmth to others.  See how many you can do!

1. Secretly restock a break room snack stash by leaving a fresh box of granola bars or a bag of good coffee for everyone to enjoy.
2. For those who live in snowy areas, shovel or salt a neighbor’s driveway before they wake up, or scrape snow from their windshield—bonus points if you can keep it anonymous!
3. Organize a “winter comforts” kit for delivery drivers; include hand warmers, lip balm, snacks, and a thank-you note.
4. Send a care package to a teacher or school staff member—think herbal teas, a good pen, and a heartfelt note.
5. Donate new socks to a homeless shelter. Socks are one of the most requested (and important) yet overlooked necessities.
6. Surprise a friend with an audiobook or e-book that made you think of them.
7. Send a meme or funny GIF to someone every day for a week.
8. Sharing baked goodies isn’t just for Christmas. Why not make something delicious and drop it off at a fire station or hospital break room as an unexpected delight.
9. Donate blood through the American Red Cross—winter is a season when supplies often run low. Find a blood drive near you.
10. Write a positive review on Yelp, Google or Facebook for a small business you love.
11. Send a nostalgic photo to an old friend with a message about a good memory you shared.
12. Tip a service worker extra generously, just because.
13. Pick up litter on a winter walk.
14. Tape quarters to a vending machine with a note: ‘Your snack is on me today!’
15. Gift someone a plant or flower to bring some greenery into their space.  A little shot of color when everything outside is brown and grey can be very uplifting!
16. Create an upbeat playlist and send it to someone who needs a mood boost.
17. Offer to run an errand for an elderly neighbor or new parent so they don’t have to go out in the cold.
18. Write a short, anonymous note of encouragement and leave it in a public place.
19. Drop off a box of tissues and cough drops at your office or community center—essential supplies this time of year.
20. Turn an ordinary meal into an impromptu dinner party by inviting someone over last-minute.
21. Buy a pack of instant hand warmers and give them to people who work outside: think trash collectors, landscaping crews, school crossing guards.
22. Give a genuine, thoughtful LinkedIn recommendation to a colleague or two without being asked.
23. Mail a postcard with a beautiful winter scene to someone who could use a little cheer.
24. Host a “Flannel & Films” movie watching party and invite a friend who might be feeling isolated by the cold, dark days.
25. Make a donation to an animal shelter and add a note thanking them for their work.

💡Did you know? The benefits of kindness are backed by science!

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of just waiting for better days—it can be a season of action, warmth, and unexpected joy. Try a few of these acts of kindness and see if they don’t lift your spirits along with those of the people around you.  For additional ideas, group activities and more, visit The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Love is in the air all month long with February Ever After on UP Faith & Family! Celebrate the season of love with our collection of heartwarming romance movies as well as our full lineup of family-friendly movies and series. Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today.

Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter, and two cats.