Now that December is here, we will soon experience the social events marking the Christmas season. Not the least of these is the cordiality of everyone, even strangers with strangers, on those few days around Christmas. If only we were always that way with one another, and with everyone. If only kindness and respect were the rule for every day of the year, everywhere.

As a small step towards getting to that place, I think we should all plan to commit a few random acts of kindness between now and the end of the year. Who knows, it could grow into a habit. The funny thing is that in doing something nice for someone else, you get a good feeling inside. It’s an instant reward. Apparently being kindly is good for our health. Sometimes if you are feeling grouchy and unappreciated, the conscious decision to do some little thing for someone else can shift you into a better mood. Even if you only go from grouchy to rueful, that’s an improvement.

The quintessential random act of kindness apparently occurs when, after paying your toll at a highway toll booth, you pay for the car behind you. There’s nothing in it for you but the good feeling. Even a smile, a kind word and a compliment can make someone else’s day easier. Kindness doesn’t really have to cost money, and you don’t have to restrict yourself to kindness to strangers.

You can be randomly kind to your own family, friends and workmates. Someone might love a phone call from you. Maybe your old high school teacher would be happy to hear from you. Recycle the stuff you don’t need. Email your cousin. Write a nice letter to someone.

If you need further inspiration, check out the website of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. I’m not kidding, there is such a thing. Or rent the movie Pay it Forward and watch it again.

Don’t tell me you can’t do this.