‘Silly Season’ is steadily approaching, and lovers of all things festive are champing at the bit to adorn their Christmas trees and set their fairy lights to chaotic disco mode.

Boney M, however, can settle down, and the rosy-cheeked Santas smiling from storefronts can dim their grins just a tad, because the deep furrows etched on people’s faces are sparkling brighter than tinsel, indicating that we all need a break.

Let’s not deny it. Allowing a motorist to merge into your lane during peak hour traffic is often met with ‘the dismissive bird’ rather than a grateful wave.

Making way for a hurried shopper is often greeted with a gruff grunt instead of a spoken ‘thanks.’

Kindness, the core of festive celebrations and humility, seems to have evaporated in the flurry of fast-paced living.

When you are at the receiving end of unsolicited care, you either meet it with surprised zeal or suspicion, wondering what this random act will ultimately cost you.

I had the privilege of being part of the 100th birthday celebrations of Boksburg’s Daphne Lawrance on October 25.

What struck me most about the momentous occasion was not the decorations, the mountain of cupcakes, or even the toe-tapping renditions of classic tunes, sung by three of her nine grandchildren.

It was how her eternal kindness was met with equally pure kindness.

Holding her hand, Daphne’s aura radiated tender care; her pint-sized body is filled to the brim with unapologetic affection.

She may not have lived a life of grandeur, nor can she recite a list of professional accomplishments, but ask anyone in the room their fondest memory of Daphne?

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The resounding answer? She loves and appreciates everything, everyone, and every gentle deed.

Following the news and observing the actions of those around us, it seems as if kindness is in short supply or a rare commodity, possibly subjected to Trump’s inflated tariffs.

I think kindness comes in various forms, and whether you are spreading it in the presence of others or doing a little solo act, the deed will create ripples, which may grow into a tidal wave of good vibes.

Much to the frustration of motorists travelling behind me, I stop at stop signs. Partly because I prefer spending money on things I want rather than funding state coffers, but because I care enough about how flying through it could affect the lives of others.

I am a clumsy oaf who would practically fall over my own feet in order to pick up a stray piece of litter.

It may not be mine, but its presence not only makes my surroundings look trashy, it can also negatively affect the environment and all its glorious creatures.

I am the weird lady who will wave at your child and even match their silly faces with equal enthusiasm, not because I am childish, but because every child should experience an adult who looks them in the eyes and acknowledges their smiles.

Being kind will not award you any points on a prestigious rating scale, nor will it necessarily be reciprocated.

However, somewhere in the endless din of negativity, someone will notice a change.

You don’t need grand gestures or sky-written announcements – just a gentle reminder that the smallest act can brighten another’s day.

Although I am the first to grumble at the sight of synthetic fir trees appearing before December 1, let’s all attempt to add a sprinkling of human decency to our everyday lives.

You never know how an intentional act of kindness, even if directed only at yourself, may fill the empty spaces of a soul with festive colours of joy.

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