Article and photos by Kara Schwalbe 

As the air turns crisp and the holiday season approaches, it's hard not to start thinking about decorations, gifts, and making a little magic. The agenda starts to fill up with holiday parties and events, keeping everyone on their toes. But what if a different kind of calendar took center stage for the family this year? A kindness calendar. 

Similar in concept to an Advent calendar, a kindness calendar marks each day with a simple act of kindness. It works any time of year, but wrapping it into a holiday tradition makes for a sweet, daily reminder of what the season is all about. Use the list below as is, or make it your own. 

• Hold the door open for a stranger 
• Give someone a compliment 
• Tell someone you love them 
• Share something with someone 
• Buy a gift for someone in need  

Many Billings locations put up an Angel Tree, where you can grab a tag and shop for a specific child or family. A few to look for: Salvation Army Billings Corps, Faith E Church, Bumps N Bundles, and Veldt Clothing. 

• Help with a chore at home 
• Thank a healthcare worker, first responder, or community helper with a card and/or treat 
• Write a kind note to someone 
• Bring a treat or snack to share with classmates, just because 
• Make someone laugh 
• Mail a postcard or drawing to a faraway friend or relative 
• Make a special treat for someone  
• Read your favorite holiday story together as a family 
• Help set the table 
• Ask someone about their favorite holiday tradition 

• Donate food to those in need 

Billings Food Bank, Family Service, and the Tumbleweed Program all accept food donations. Schools and churches often host their own drives this time of year, too. 

• On a walk or drive, smile and wave at everyone who passes by 
• Send something to a soldier 

Montana Soldier Support works year-round to send care packages to Montana soldiers deployed overseas. Reach out here (QR): https://www.facebook.com/montanasoldiersupport/ 

• Let someone go ahead of you in line 
• Donate something that’ll help someone stay warm and cozy 

Each year, the Junior League of Billings hosts a pajama drive to support foster children and teens in Yellowstone County. https://juniorleagueofbillings.org/pajamadrive 

• Tell a friend the best thing you’ve learned from them  
• Make a drawing or some art and give it to someone 
• Look in the mirror and name one thing you’re proud of 
• Give someone special a big hug 

DIY Kindness Advent Calendar 

Materials: 

• 12 toilet paper rolls 
• Scissors 
• Low-temp hot glue gun (for adult assembly) 
• School glue or a glue stick (for the paper covers) 
• Sturdy cardboard base 
• Paper or cardstock for covers and kindness slips 
• Small treats or candy (optional) 
• Paint, markers, ribbon or wrapping paper for decorating 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the tubes: Cut the 12 toilet paper rolls in half so you have 24 mini tubes of equal length. 
2. Make the covers: Stand one of the mini tubes on a piece of cardstock and trace around the opening 24 times to create circles just slightly larger than the tube opening. Let the kids color, paint or glitter the circles, number them 1 through 24 and cut them all out. 
3. Write the acts of kindness: Write 24 small acts of kindness on individual slips of paper, or use the list above. 
4. Design the base: Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard into a festive shape, such as a Christmas tree, a giant star or a simple rectangle. Decorate the cardboard and the outside of the 24 mini tubes with paint, wrapping paper or ribbon. 
5. Glue the tubes: Stand all 24 tubes upright on the decorated base, leaving a little space between each one. An adult can use the hot glue gun to secure the bottom of each tube to the cardboard. 
6. Assemble the calendar: Drop a treat and a kindness slip into each tube. Run a very thin ring of school glue or a tiny dab of glue stick around the rim of each tube, then press the numbered covers on top. Use less glue than you think you need so the kids can easily break the seal. 

For more ideas, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers free printable kindness calendars at randomactsofkindness.org. 

Originally printed in the November 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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