24 good deeds in December – an Advent calendar of kindness

December is full of anticipation. A calendar of good deeds gives children something to look forward to every day, and it teaches them that it feels good to do something for others.

24 ideas

1. Draw a Christmas card for Grandma and Grandpa.
2. Help set the table.
3. Give a friend a compliment.
4. Put out bread for the birds.
5. Tidy up without being asked.
6. Make a drawing for a preschool teacher.
7. Say thank you to the bus driver.
8. Give a hug to someone who is sad.
9. Make paper Christmas hearts and give some to the neighbors.
10. Sort through toys, and give some away.
11. Help a brother or sister get dressed.
12. Call someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
13. Read a story to someone younger.
14. Make a little gift for a friend.
15. Hold the door for someone.
16. Say three nice things about someone in the family.
17. Help carry the groceries.
18. Pick up litter at the playground (with gloves and a grown-up).
19. Write a thank-you note.
20. Make decorations for someone who lives alone.
21. Let someone else choose the game.
22. Sweep snow or leaves for a neighbor.
23. Draw a heart for someone you care about.
24. Say to yourself: I am good at giving.

How to do it

Write one good deed on a little slip of paper for each day, or use a calendar where your child is part of the story. Talk about the day’s good deed in the morning, and ask in the evening how it went.

Keep it easy

Choose good deeds that suit your child’s age and your everyday life. It should be a joy, not a chore. Some days the good deed can be small, and that’s perfectly fine.

From My Mini Mindset

Want to bring the words into everyday life? Here are materials with your child’s name and a figure that looks like your child:

• Personalized Advent calendar with 24 good deeds
• The book about the kind Christmas