The holidays are a time of giving, reflecting, and showing love to those around us. If you need inspiration for spreading kindness this season, look no further than some of Pensacola’s most generous hearts.
This morning, a group of community-minded individuals gathered at Dog House Downtown for breakfast—but this wasn’t an ordinary meal.
They enjoyed a hearty breakfast, shared a lot of laughs, exchanged business ideas, and most importantly, came together to honor the hard-working wait staff with a $1,200 tip!
The world is truly a better place with businesses like Quality Roofing, Hanto and Clarke General Contractors, Reliance Mortgage, Regal Media, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office leading by example. Their generosity reminds us that giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the season. Their actions inspire, and their kindness sets the bar high for how to treat others.
Here are seven simple ways you can honor others this holiday season, inspired by their example:
- Host a Breakfast with Benjamin
Invite a few friends to meet you for breakfast at a local diner or café. Ask each one to bring along a $100 bill (or whatever amount fits your group). After enjoying a great meal and good company, pay the bill and leave the rest—all those $100 bills—as a tip for your server. A simple act like this can make someone’s day, or even their entire season, much brighter.
Why it matters: Wait staff often work long hours during the holidays, balancing service with their own personal obligations. This small gesture shows appreciation for their hard work.
- Sign Up to Walk the Dogs
You might not be able to adopt a dog, but you can still make a big difference in a shelter dog’s life.
Sign up with Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare to volunteer as a dog walker. With over 300 dogs at the shelter currently, it is a daily struggle to make sure that all of them are walked.
To become a volunteer at the shelter, you must complete an online application or stop in and fill out. Once they receive your application and you have been cleared, you will be scheduled for an orientation so you can start your training.
The Dog House team. The Dog House is located at 30 South Palafox Street in Pensacola, Florida.Why it matters: A little fresh air and exercise can do wonders for dogs waiting for their forever homes, and your kindness gives them much-needed joy, companionship, and love.
- Support a Pensacola Entrepreneur
Shopping local is one of the best ways to support small businesses during the holidays. But even if you don’t leave the house, you can still help Pensacola’s entrepreneurs thrive. Here’s how:
– Follow a local business on Instagram or Facebook.
– Like, comment on, and share their posts to your personal network.
– Write a positive Google or Yelp review for a business you love.
Why it matters: Your support can introduce small businesses to new customers, helping them grow and succeed.
- Send a Christmas Card or Letter to a Senior
The holidays can be lonely for seniors, especially those in nursing homes or far from family. Take a moment to write a heartfelt Christmas card or letter, and deliver it to a senior center, retirement home, or a neighbor who could use some cheer.
Why it matters: A small note reminds someone that they are loved, remembered, and valued during the holidays.
- Deliver a Small Gift to Seven Neighbors
The magic of the holidays often lies in the little surprises. Pick up or bake small gifts—like homemade cookies, festive candles, or treats—and deliver them to seven of your neighbors. Include a handwritten note wishing them a joyful season.
I personally have 7 bottles of Bodacious Olive Oil (Garlic, White Truffle, and Butter flavors) sitting underneath my tree nestled in a cute bag with tissue paper provided by the shop and ready to deliver to my neighbors to remind them of how much I appreciate them for picking up Amazon packages when we are gone, and for keeping an eye out for my roaming English Golden Retriever, Gracie.
Why it matters: Simple, thoughtful gifts build connections and spread kindness right in your own neighborhood.
- Clean Up the Neighborhood Park Nearest You
Did you know that Pensacola has 93 city parks?! And boy, are we thankful for them! Grab some gloves, trash bags, and a few friends or family members, and spend an afternoon cleaning up your neighborhood park. Collect litter, tidy up pathways, and leave the space better than you found it.
Why it matters: Clean parks benefit everyone, creating safe and beautiful spaces for kids, families, and pets to enjoy.
- Tell Someone You Love Them
It sounds simple, but words have power. Use this season as an opportunity to tell the people who matter most to you how much you love and appreciate them.
Call a friend, write a heartfelt message, or spend quality time with family. Make sure they know they are cherished.
Why it matters: The holidays can be busy, but taking time to express love and gratitude is a gift that never loses its value.
Kindness Changes Everything
From gathering for a memorable breakfast to walking dogs, supporting small businesses, and simply sharing love, these acts of kindness reflect the true spirit of the season.
Let’s honor one another, make someone smile, and continue to make Pensacola a community full of generosity and big hearts.
Kindness for the win,
Lisa Long Lyter, Editor in Chief
