By Amanda Farris, Miss November 2015

Lately, I’ve been trying to give out “happy’s”. A happy is a simple, small, unexpected gift of appreciation or encouragement towards someone. With the holiday season approaching, we will have a lot of opportunities to be intentional about giving to others. But personally, I think it is fun to give when it is not a holiday or special occasion. A “just because” gift when it is least expected is sometimes the most appreciated. 

I have a good friend who has been doing this to me for several years. Most of the time, when she comes to visit she always comes with a small token or gesture of generosity. She might bring a magazine she thought I might be interested in, a box of cereal, a dessert, or something for my kids. The spectrum of what she might bring is vast and wide. But, the point is, when she comes to visit or sees me it’s not uncommon for her to bring me a “happy”, a simple, small, unexpected gift of appreciation or encouragement. She doesn’t make it a big deal, she simply leaves me a little something on my counter. 

It took me a couple years into our friendship to realize that she did this often. It was not a fluke incident, generosity was part of who she was.  If she was bringing her kids to my house, she would always bring something special for all the kids such as a treat or a craft. Nothing too extravagant, fruit snacks and an old coloring book would do just fine.

One time, she brought me a new kitchen gadget that I had been eyeing of hers that she had.

I know that I was slow in realizing what she was doing, but she was purely practicing simple hospitality. Hospitality is the generous or friendly treatment towards others. 

So, I have been trying to give out more “happy’s” to others and bring back simple hospitality in my life as the giver. I love the idea of bringing simple hostess gifts when someone has my family over for dinner. I love the idea of giving just to give unexpectedly with the goal to encourage someone, show appreciation, or surprise them. I love the idea of bringing a friend a pick-me-up “happy” when they least expect it. 

It doesn’t have to be a grand event to bring someone a “happy”. It can be anything for any occasion. You make the occasion by celebrating the everyday. It’s the little things that matter. 

What are some items you would give to a hostess?

What is a “happy” that you might bring your best gal pal?

Do you keep a gift closet stocked? 

Speaking of giving a little “happy”, you could grab a cute Arkansas Women Bloggers Coffee Mug and attach an encouraging note to give to a fellow blogger as a simple gift!