A Christmas Letter From Santa: The Nice List
No matter what time of the year it is, it's important to stay on Santa's Nice List. The Big Man in Red doesn't just look at your behavior in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas; he's considering your whole year and how you act, how you conduct yourself, when you think nobody, not even Santa, is watching. Stay on the Nice List through kind words, good behaviors, and thoughtful actions.
Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen
Sharing is Caring
One of the easiest ways to stay on the Nice List this year is by showing others that you care. Sharing what brings you joy is a great way to do this. So, if there is something or a special talent you have that might put a smile on the face of a friend, family member, or even someone you don't know, share that something special with them. For example, if you have a favorite toy and you know a person that might love it just as much, invite them to play and share that toy. Take turns and enjoy playing together. You might be surprised how good it feels to share, and it might make your turns even more special.
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Do a Good Deed
There are so many ways we can do good, no matter how old you are. To do a good deed, all you need to do is look around you and think about what might need to be done or what you could do in order to make someone's day better. These deeds can be big or small and they are only limited by your imagination. Just remember that doing a good deed isn't the same as taking care of what is yours or doing your chores; those are things that are expected of you as a member of a family and community. A good deed is something that you can do that is not expected of you and contributes to making the world a better place.
Here are some good deeds you might be able to do. Just remember to ask for help and permission from a parent or guardian, if needed:
- Offer to walk a neighbor's dog.
- Shovel the walkway of a neighbor that might not be able to do it themselves.
- Help a struggling classmate study for an upcoming quiz.
- Collect gently used clothing that no longer fits you and donate it to a local clothing drive.
- Collect donations for a local animal shelter rather than receiving gifts for your upcoming birthday.
There are so many different opportunities around you and in your community to do good. Combine your special skills and talents with the opportunity to do good and contribute in your own unique way.
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Elf on the Shelf - Acts of Kindness
Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated
Treating others the way that you would like to be treated is very important when trying to stay on Santa's Nice List. Throughout your day, make sure you're using kind words and taking actions that make a positive impact on someone's day. This can be especially important in school and in social settings in which disagreements or conflicts might happen. Rather than arguing in anger, take the opportunity to be kind and listen to what others have to say before deciding how you will act or respond. Treating others with kindness might just be what they need to turn a bad mood or a bad day around. It can also show them an alternative to anger or unkindness that they may choose to in future actions. Be a leader by example and others will follow you in treating each other with respect.
Teaching Kids to Care for Others
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Lessons to Teach Students Respect for Others
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Be Patient
Sometimes it can be hard to be patient. There is so much to be excited about that can make it hard to wait. When you feel yourself getting a little antsy or too excited or fidgety, take a moment to collect yourself. Choose to be patient, knowing that good things will come if you wait your turn or wait for something boring or unpleasant to end. Those around you will appreciate your patience and it might just help you stay on Santa's Nice List when you might be toeing the line.
8 Activities to Teach Patience
5 Strategies to Teach Children Patience
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Building Patience and Strong Future Leaders of Character
Stick Up For Others
If you are at school, on the bus, or enjoying a social activity and notice that a peer is being bullied or being treated poorly, in a way you would not like to be treated, stick up for them and treat them with respect. It is all too easy to ignore bullying and it can be uncomfortable to confront a peer that is being unkind to someone, but, it can be even hard to cope with the long-term consequences of bullying. Bullying can contribute to low self-esteem and depression in young people, and can have a lasting impact. If you see someone being bullied or mistreated, say something and, remember, treat others how you would like to be treated, even in the tough situations during which you might be pressured to otherwise.
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