With the year that we all have experienced in 2020, we think that it's safe to say that everyone could use a little extra love. Whether it be the ones you are closest to, a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, or a complete stranger, random acts of kindness can go a very long way — no matter how small they may be.

Are you ready to end 2020 on a positive note and spread a little extra love to those around you? Great! Here are five unique and easy ways to show people some extra love this holiday season:

1. Send a card to a loved one you haven’t seen in a while.

We know how simple this one may sound, but snail mail will never go out of style and can mean more to people now than ever before. Think about it from your own perspective — you are doing your daily mail run and expect to pull a bundle of bills and political flyers out of your mailbox only to find a colored envelope out of the blue. You look at the sender’s name and see that it is a friend who you haven’t spoken to in a while or your aunt who lives across the country. You weren’t expecting a card and your day is instantly made, even if it says something as simple as “I was thinking of you and hope you are doing well!”.

If you want to take it a step further, send flowers from their local flower shop. Many flower shops like Chappell’s Florist in Burlington even give you the option to include a card or small message with your bouquet, making the simple act of kindness extra special!

2. Volunteer.

Whether it be at your local food bank or animal shelter, volunteering is an incredible way to spread some love to those who are less fortunate. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, gain knowledge and understanding of other ways of life, and gain a sense of purpose as you help those in your community. Some great places to volunteer include (but are not limited to):

• Animal rescue shelters
• Food banks
• National parks
• Local libraries
• YMCA
• Nursing homes

3. Bake something and drop it off for your neighbor or your local firehouse.

Who doesn’t love getting surprised with a yummy baked good? Whether it be a way of showing your neighbor that you care or thanking your local firefighters for all of their hard work protecting your community, baking is a very thoughtful way to show the ones in your life or community how much you care.

4. Smile and give a compliment to a total stranger.

It can be easy to forget how much this simple and seemingly small act can make a difference in the lives of those around us. Think about the last time a stranger smiled at you or told you how much they loved your shirt and how good it made you feel. Random acts of kindness like these can help bring people together during a time where many feel isolated and divided.

5. Support a local business.

Many small businesses have taken a major hit from the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to operate the same way that they used to. Whether it be a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, grabbing dinner at your favorite restaurant in town, or buying flowers at your local flower shop, this act of kindness goes a long way.

There you have it, five simple ways you can spread a little extra love this season! Be sure to check back to our blog for more ideas in the future, and if you are interested in sending flowers to a loved one in Burlington, be sure to check out our website and give our flower shop a call at Chappell’s Florist in Burlington today!