Even the smallest acts of kindness add up

LOS ANGELES - Whether you’re bursting with the holiday spirit or haven’t quite gotten on board this season, try focusing on the joy of other people to make yourself feel better all over. Acts of kindness and giving don’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. Here are some easy (and cheap) ways to start spreading the love.

1. Treat a Stranger to Treat Yo Self

Pay for someone else’s order at your local coffee shop, or buy dinner for the person behind you in line at the drive through. You’ve heard of people doing this, why not do it today. For a few bucks, you can make their day and feel like a Secret Santa

2. Make Today the Day You Let Everyone in (In Traffic)

Our commutes can seem extra-nightmarish during the holiday season, so before you put your keys in the ignition, take a moment to remember that we’re all in this together, and we’re all just trying to get home in one piece. Decide that you will be gracious to those who cut your off and generous to those who are trying to merge. We can choose to rise above the chaos in the bubble of our cars, reigning over other drivers with our acts of benevolence.

3. Clean Out Your Closet

Instead of regifting presents or clothing, why not donate them to charity? Even if you can’t afford a large cash donation, you can still help people who are less fortunate. Make room for new presents by dropping off items at your local Goodwill-- or donate gently used professional wear to Dress for Success.

4. Get Patriotic With It.

When we find ourselves dreading too much family time, we think of our servicemen and women who are overseas and missing their loved ones. Operation Gratitude [https://www.operationgratitude.com/] sends care packages and your handwritten notes to deployed troops, new recruits, and veterans. A paragraph or two with a thank you goes a long, long way.

Watch the video above to see how one woman’s simple holiday message is warming the hearts of her whole community.