Make a playlist. Create a playlist on Spotify or your streaming service of choice and share with your family. Let everyone add a favorite song.
Volunteer as a family. There is always a need. Check out Harvesters.org for opportunities to help throughout the year.
Write a note. Choose a few people like neighbors, teachers or friends and write them a note “just because.” You’re sure to brighten their day.
Bake a treat. Pull out an old recipe or search for a new one and bake up a batch of goodies for the kids to snack on when they get home from school.
Make pancakes. Whip up a batch of pancakes, then use a cookie cutter to create heart shapes. Serve with strawberry syrup.
Give a bear hug. When your child or spouse comes home for the day, greet him at the door with a big bear hug.
Leave a message. Using a dry erase marker, each night during February leave a message for your spouse or child on the mirror to discover each morning.
Say yes. If there’s a question or request from your child that you typically say no to, trying saying yes (within reason) and watch her face light up.
Eat dessert. Prepare a fancy dessert (or pick one up from the store) and then start dinner with dessert first.
Smile. It sounds very simple and it is. Smile at everyone you encounter throughout the day. Even the person that cuts you off in traffic.
Give a compliment. Challenge family members to give three compliments to three different people during the day.
Call someone. In this day of texting, a phone call is a welcome change of pace. Pick up the phone and call a friend or family member.
Take a walk. The short, cold days can bring anyone down. Bundle up during daylight and get some exercise and vitamin D. Invite a friend to join you.
Do a chore. Is the dishwasher clean? Do clothes need to be folded? Do the chore without saying a word or without being asked.
Share a meal. When making dinner, double the recipe. Pack up the meal and drop it off at a friend’s house.
Be spontaneous. Have a load of laundry and grocery shopping to do, but the kids want to see a movie? Ditch the chores and head out for family fun.
Leave a treat. Write a short note or get a favorite piece of candy and leave a small treat on your child’s or spouse’s pillow.
Send flowers. A single flower or a bouquet can brighten someone’s day. Send flowers “just because.”
Don’t complain. When your day doesn’t go as planned, when your child spills a full cup of milk, when your spouse forgets to pick up eggs, choose to smile and not complain.
Pull in trash cans. After the weekly trash is collected, bring your neighbor’s trash cans from the end of the driveway up to the garage.
Collect books. Round up books that you and your kids no longer read and deliver them to a day care center or women’s shelter.
Say thank you. Another simple suggestion, but these two small words can go a long way in making someone’s day.
Leave change. Tape change to a vending machine so the next person to use it can enjoy a treat on you.
Share a surprise. Tape a gift card for a coffee on your trash can for your collector, or leave a small treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.
Post positive. Put something positive up on social media so when checking, friends and family will have an uplifting message pop up.
Hold it open. Hold the elevator or the door open for the person behind you. Or, walk ahead and open the door for someone.
Make lunch. Do your kids pack their own lunches? Does your spouse get his own coffee each day? Surprise them one morning by getting up early and preparing.
Pay for it. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through at your local coffee joint or fast food place.
