Holy cow! This is awesome(ness) at its best! Yahoo Asks (each and every one of you) “You In?”

This holiday, create a ripple of happiness triggered by your single act of kindness.

Yahoo is giving people a chance to perform random acts of kindness and encourage their friends and families to do the same with its “You In?” campaign.

To participate, people do a good deed, such as donating coats to charity or paying the toll for the car behind them, and then post it on the site. Update your status to share what you’re doing to spread joy. Then inspire others to join you by asking “You in?” The more people you tell, the larger your ripple.

So throw your pebble into the pond of “hope.” Your ripple will touch lives.

More acts of kindness:

• 10 Simple Random Acts Of Kindness (slideshare.net)
• How To Become Happier (howcast.com)
• Purple Acts of Kindness: Yahoo! For Good + Charity Water (debaird.net)

Kids are great. Especially, during the holiday season when young boys and girls start to make a list of the toys for Santa Clause to bring them on Christmas Day. While observing wide-eyed children shouting “I want this” and “I need that” in a toy store made me wonder, “How can we teach our children that Christmas is more than just receiving gifts — but giving gifts to those who are less fortunate.”

A Christmas Eve tradition, for most families, consists of leaving cookies, milk, carrots (for the reindeer), and a letter to Santa Clause before heading to bed. The next morning, the cookies and milk are gone and a present from Santa is strategically placed in front of the Christmas tree. I think this scene is typical in most homes in the U.S. with some variance. But, is there an opportunity to educate our children about giving? I think so.

This season let’s teach our kids about Christmas giving for those who are less fortunate with one simple twist to the Christmas Eve tradition — “Give One. Get One. (GoGo).” The task is simple. Tell your kids that in order to receive a gift from Santa (on top of all the other requirements you’ve agreed upon) you must give a gift to Santa.

Here’s how it works:

1. Place an empty box or bag next to the Christmas tree or Christmas stockings
2. Make a sign “For Santa Clause”
3. Talk to your children about “GoGo.” Every toy they place in the box — they get a new toy from Santa
4. On Christmas Eve, gift wrap the box of used toys and place it next to the other goodies for Santa
5. Once the kids are tucked away, place the box of toys where they won’t see it the next morning (like the trunk of your vehicle)
6. Before the end of the year, drop off the box of used toys to your favorite charity

Benefits:

1. Teach your children about giving in a fun and meaningful way
2. Reduce clutter and old toys around the house
3. Donate to your favorite charity
4. Tax write-off

This year be “Santa Cause” and teach your children about giving. They will become better citizens of the world and make you a proud parent.

The world today is definitely not a paradise. Hunger, abuse, poverty, pollution and other dangers are all too common. Granted, the world never has and probably never will be perfect, but that is no excuse to not try. YOU can help to create a better world for the future. And it’s not as hard as you think…

• Anyone can change the world; all it takes is a little time, effort and dedication!
• The Internet is a great place to find information about charities and causes to sponsor/support.
• Spread the word. Get your friends involved. The more the better!
• Find exciting and fun ways to change the world. Volunteering is not only a great way to help those less fortunate but you might also make some great new friends!
• Even if you are broke, there are lots of ways you can help to make the world a better place.

This holiday season (and every season of the year) go out and make a difference and change the world. It’s in your hands now.

(excerpts from wikiHow.com)