SPREADING KINDNESS & JOY

Leon Logothetis travels the globe in his yellow VW Beetle to show that kindness and humanity are alive and well on his hit Netflix show The Kindness Diaries.

Inspired by Leon Logothetis, who travels the world exchanging kindnesses with strangers on his hit Netflix show The Kindness Diaries, the editors at Woman’s World magazine created a Kindness Advent Calendar. “Kindness is a portal into the most important thing we have — our connection to other people,” says Logothetis in the feature.

You can see the complete calendar in the current issue of Woman’s World dated Dec. 2 that’s out on newsstands now.

Here are the magazines’s daily recommendations for bringing more joy and kindness to yourself and others during the Christmas season. The magazine’s editors suggest that if you can’t do the activity for a specific day, just swap it with something else or come up with your own activity.

Dec. 1, Be Kind To You:

“We often forget to be kinds to ourselves,” says Logothetis. Mark the start of Advent with a cup of cocoa just the way you like it and sneak away for 15 minutes of bliss.

Dec. 2, Extend A Warm Word:

“Find someone who looks sad or lonely, and pay them a compliment,” Logothetis says. Added bonus? Giving compliments melts your stress and boosts immunity.

Dec. 3, Send Our Heroes Tidings Of Joy:

Go to SuppportOurTroops.org/care-packages. Commonly requested items include fun posters, laundry pods and sunscreen.

Dec. 4, Bake Up Smiles On National Cookie Day:

Deliver cookies as a surprise to a helper in your community, whether it’s a crossing guard, mail carrier or fireman.

Dec. 5, Gift Jolly Stamps:

Surprise your favorite card sender with a roll of holiday stamps. This year’s styles include vintage Santas from the 1940s.

Dec. 6, Celebrate St. Nicholas Day:

Honor the saint who gave his possessions to the poor by donating outerwear to a coat drive. Add a special touch by slipping handwritten notes in the pockets.

Dec. 7, Leave A Mood-Boosting Review:

Brighten a business owners day. “Whenever I eat something really delicious at a bakery or experience great service, I take a minute to leave a review online,” says Logothetis.

Dec. 8, Be Kind To You:

Curl up with a good book. Reading for pleasure slashes stress by 60%, something we can all use this time of year.

Dec. 9, Share A Secret Recipe:

If friends are always praising your famous lasagna or signature cinnamon rolls, reveal the recipe over email or on a recipe card. The recipients will think of you with every bite.

Dec. 10, Ask For A Child’s Autograph:

Make the children in your life feel special by asking if they’ll give you an autograph — kids preschool age and older love showing off their signatures.

Dec. 11, Spread Cheer:

Next time you go out for coffee, consider buying a $5 gift card and give it to the barista, asking them to give it to someone they think could use it,” says Logothetis. “This will help trigger a ripple effect of kindness.”

Dec. 12, Be A Shopping Cart Angel:

When you hit the supermarket, consider offering to return someone’s shopping cart for them. It’s a small gesture that can melt holiday shopping stress in seconds.

Dec. 13, Say Two Magic Words:

Make a point to say “thank you” to your friends or co-workers,” says Logothetis. “When we say thanks we not only celebrate other people, we see them. And that is the ultimate act of kindness.”

Dec. 14, Give The Gift Of Luck:

Buy a scratch-off lottery ticket and place it on a random windshield in a parking lot with a Post-it note that says, “Good luck!”

Dec. 15, Be Kind To You:

Have a relaxing “crafternoon” with friends. Do something creative that doesn’t take a lot of time, such as building a gingerbread house using a kit that you can find for under $10 at Target and Walmart.

Dec. 16, Stock Your Food Bank:

Nonperishable staples like dry pasta, tuna fish and applesauce are always in demand, but call ahead to learn if they have any specific requests.

Dec. 17, Offer A Green Pick-Me-Up:

Bring a plant or bouquet of flowers to the nurses’ station of your local hospital — they’ll know which patient needs it most.

Dec. 18, Tap Into Your Puppy Love:

Bring gently used blankets and towels to your local animal shelter. Your donations will help furry friends feel cozy and cuddly throughout the winter.

Dec. 19, Decorate A Christmas Rock:

Unleash your inner artist and paint a river rock with craft paint in holiday colors. Add messages like “Joy to the World” and leave it on a bench or windowsill.

Dec. 20, Lend An Ear:

“The greatest gift you can give anyone is your presence,” says Logothetis. “Show up with your full being and simply ask an acquaintance or loved one how they’re doing, then really listen.”

Dec. 21, Make Bedtime Special:

Donate a pair of new pajamas or a beloved storybook to PajamaProgram.org, a nonprofit committed to giving pajamas and storybooks to children in shelters and foster homes.

Dec. 22, Be Kind To You:

“Jot down three things you consider your best traits, from your humor to your generosity,” says Logothetis. “We can all use a reminder that each of us is a miracle — and we were brought here to share that miracle with others.”

Dec. 23, Reconnect With A Favorite Teacher:

“We all have that person from our past who taught us what kindness can do,” says Logothetis. “Call her or him just to say hello and share your appreciation.”

Dec. 24, Sing With Loved Ones:

Gather ‘round the tree to belt out your favorite Christmas tunes. Music helps hardwire memories — one of the most cherished gifts we can give.

Dec. 25, Set A Loving Intention:

“Decide on an act of group generosity such as volunteering as a family in the new year,” says Logothetis. “The only thing better than showing kindness yourself is doing it with your loved ones.”