Happiness List for December

City sidewalks busy sidewalks.
Dressed in holiday style…

I’m listening to the song in the background as my hairdresser snips away, styling and primping my hair, perfecting it for the festive season. I ask her innocently if she has plans for the holidays. She answers no. This is the busiest time of the year for her, she explains. The salon is bustling and they add extra hours to cover the demand. All she wants to do on Christmas and New Year’s is rest and any plans are low key at best.

My heart went out to her. She was one of those thousands of people who work double shifts and volunteer long hours to serve us and make our holidays magical. Inevitably most, if not all jobs have blitz periods; it comes with the territory. However, it’s the Season of Giving and the best gift we can give these folks is compassion in a box full of gentle words wrapped in kindness.

I kick off each month with a happiness list. Whether I do all of it, is not important. What is important is that I strive to find joy in my daily life. This list serves as a reminder and provides a road-map in case of detours.

Last week I published a story about a woman who found her happiness by doing something nice for someone every day. Seeing others happy made her happy. Befitting this season of caring, I prepared my list for December.

1. Send someone a handwritten note.  (Thank you Jann at austindetails.me for this suggestion.)
2. Leave a bigger tip than usual at a restaurant.
3. Smile and say thank you to the grumpy sales clerk or bus driver. Give them a candy cane.
4. Drop off a toy, or food for a Christmas hamper.
5. Christmas Movie night!
6. Decorate your home.
7. Trim the infamous ‘To Do’ and ‘Gift’ lists to add TIME – time to get a massage, have a nap, slow down and savor what you’re doing.
8. Catch a Christmas event – a concert, a show, a craft fair or more
9. Enjoy a walk or drive through brightly lit neighbourhoods.
10. Hug your family and friends.

What’s on your list?

Picture by Louis Wain

Daily Prompt