5 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day in Your Community

It's time to sprinkle kindness like its confetti!

As Thanksgiving nears, so does World Kindness Day. Created in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the holiday is easy to observe. It's as simple as being kind to others. 27 countries make up the international organization dedicated to, "inspiring individuals towards greater kindness by connecting nations to create a kinder world." The World Kindness Movement is a non-profit that has no business, political, or religious affiliations. Today, the occasion is observed in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Italy, and Japan.

After a particularly difficult few years, the power of kindness continues to have a big impact. The holiday encourages simple acts of kindness and emphasizes that even the smallest acts can have ripple effects throughout communities. This year, take a few moments and reach out to friends and loved ones. Or try doing something nice for a stranger. Even a quick "thank you" can go a long way in brightening someone's day.

mother daughter laughing and holding hands on porch
MoMo Productions / Getty Images

When Is World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is Saturday, November 13, which marks the 23rd anniversary of the holiday.

How to Celebrate World Kindness Day

The number of ways you can be kind to others is endless. Here are just a few small actions that can make a big impact.

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Send Some Sweet Words

Surprise someone you care about by sending a text or card. Write about things like what they mean to you or why you love being around them. If they're facing some challenges, compose an out-of-the-blue pep-talk to lift their spirits.

Related: In Defense of Snail Mail: Why I'll Always Send Handwritten Cards

02 of 05

Pay It Forward

Pay for someone else's order in the drive-through line. This makes for a sweet or savory surprise for the recipient. Often strangers will continue to pay it forward.

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Pump Up the Kindness

Another anonymous, quick way to rev up a person's day is prepaying their pump at a gas station. Go into any store and pay for amount of your choosing (doesn't have to be a lot!) so when the next person comes to the pump, there's a credit.

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Plant a Tree

Show the world a little compassion by picking up litter, recycling, or planting a tree (depending on where you live in November). Recycling household items is easy with these helpful tips.

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Continue to Spread Kindness

Being kind isn't something we should only do one day a year. These items might seem insignificant or like common sense but taking the time to engage and connect with another person is priceless. Acts of thoughtfulness can be just the thing to turn a person's day around for the better.

  • Say please and thank you.
  • Ask someone how their day is.
  • Ask others if there's anything you can do to help them.
  • Give compliments.
  • Smile!
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