As a writer, I love a cleverly worded acronym, pun, or slogan. A few years back, I discovered the abbreviation “RACK” which stands for Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. Since RACK has both a Facebook and Pinterest account, you know it’s official; and I officially love it ─ both the acronym and the challenge to positively pay it forward… especially during the holiday season.

RACK is as equally beneficial for the implementer as it is for the recipient. Scientific research suggests that kindness actually changes the brain, impacts the heart and immune system, and may be an antidote to depression. Teaching kindness in the home can instill important qualities within your child, like compassion and bravery. Plus, I’m sure that practicing RACK bids kindly to those focused on Santa’s ‘Naughty or Nice’ list.

Plan a schedule of specific acts: for example, one daily RACK using the advent calendar (or, our OFM readers of the Jewish faith might opt for eight random acts of kindness during Hanukah). Log onto RackTheWorld.weebly.com for RACK suggestions and to download a “You’ve been RACK’d” notecard to leave behind for receivers to encourage them to bring on the RACKet too.

Orlando Family Magazine has compiled a list of RACK ideas for you… hmmm, perhaps we’ll count this creation as one of our own RACK accomplishments.

1. Pay for someone’s coffee or meal at a drive-through.
2. Deliver a hot chocolate to a Salvation Army bell ringer.
3. Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
4. Donate new or used books to a library or school.
5. Send a card or care package to someone serving overseas.
6. Leave change in the vending machine or newspaper rack.
7. Give a blanket & toiletries to a homeless person.
8. Bring Lifesaver candies to a fire/police station.
9. Rake your neighbor’s yard or return their trash bins from the curb.
10. Donate your vacation days to another employee in need (if permitted by human resources).
11. Offer a bottle of water to household service workers (lawn maintenance, exterminator, pool tech, etc.).
12. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or community park.
13. Write a thank you note to a mentor or teacher (sports coach, faith counselor, educator, etc.).
14. Take pet supplies to the animal shelter.
15. Do a household chore for another family member.
16. Donate canned/boxed goodies to a food pantry.
17. Offer candy canes to store clerks and restaurant waiters.
18. Post a compliment on a friend’s social media page.
19. Provide coloring books and crayons to a children’s hospital or pediatrician’s office.
20. Say thanks or high five the janitor, cafeteria worker, or another in need of appreciation.
21. Stash extra dollar bills in the toy aisle at the Dollar Store.
22. Forgo a closer space in a parking lot for the next car.
23. Wrap presents for a busy loved one.
24. Let someone go ahead of you in line.
25. Say a prayer for someone in need.