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The winter holidays are the perfect time to share some happiness and put ourselves aside to shower others with our love, caring, and attention. And we’ve got something that will help wash away those post-Xmas blues and pump you full of optimism for the New Year.

We wanted to show the very best, brightest side of humankind, so the hard-working elves at Bored Panda have put together this list of the most wholesome Christmas posts. We hope they’ll restore your faith in humanity, make you smile as wide as the year was long, and inspire you to support your family, friends, and neighbors in 2021.

Dear Pandas, don’t forget to upvote the most heartwarming photos and let us know all about the nicest things that happened to you around Christmas in the comments. When you're all done enjoying this list, we invite you to savor our post right here about the most surprising Xmas gifts that people got.

Discover more in 50 Of The Most Wholesome Christmas Posts That May Restore Your Faith In Humanity

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1

Last Year, I Spent Christmas With A Gun In My Mouth. This Year, We Grilled Steaks And Played Catch. She Has Given Me My Life Back

Close-up of a black dog indoors, capturing the wholesome Christmas spirit and heartwarming moments that restore faith in humanity.

This is my service dog, Emma, on the night I met her (about a month ago). I am a veteran and she helps me with my PTSD to keep me grounded.

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    #2

    A UPS Driver Delivered Nearly 200 Packages A Day Through Lockdowns And The Holiday Season. This Week, Hundreds Of Neighbors Came Out To Give Him A Hero's Salute

    UPS driver emotionally touched by community's wholesome Christmas posts and heartfelt support during holiday season.

    He went above-and-beyond this year!

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    #3

    I'm Really Crying Right Now. I Thought I Was Calling My Mom. But I Had The Wrong Number And

    Text message showing a wholesome Christmas story where a wrong number brings comfort during the holidays.

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    Earlier, Bored Panda spoke about the spirit of giving and altruism with priest and psychologist Dr. Fraser Watts, as well as with Vanessa King, the Head of Psychology at ‘Action for Happiness.’

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    Dr. Watts highlighted that we should put ourselves in the shoes of our loved ones if we ever receive a gift that we’re not entirely satisfied with. Imagining their perspective and what made them choose a particular gift for you will make you appreciate the spirit in which they gave it to you. The effort and love they put into the gift are usually worth far, far more than the physical thing hiding behind the Santa-spangled wrapping paper.

    Meanwhile, King, from ‘Action for Happiness,’ explained that we keep ourselves happy by going out of our way to help others. Altruism has an evolutionary basis, too.

    #4

    My Father Has Alzheimer's. I Brought My New Dog Home For Christmas, And He Said, "I Know I'm Going To Forget A Lot, But I'm Going To Remember This Dog For A Long Time"

    Man sitting in a chair with a dog in a sweater, sharing a warm moment of wholesome Christmas joy and comfort.

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    #5

    This Is What I Woke Up To On Christmas After I Broke Down & Told My Brother That I Couldn't Afford To Buy Big Presents This Year Since I Could Barely Feed Myself

    Assortment of food items and kitchen supplies representing wholesome Christmas posts to restore faith in humanity.

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    #6

    From A 7-11 In Allen, TX

    Sign at 7-Eleven offering free pizza, banana, and drink for kids during school closures, showing wholesome Christmas kindness.

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    Since we’re a social species and we live in groups, doing things for each other (and with each other) helps keep our relationships strong and builds trust. Our bodies reward us for being social and helpful. “When we do things for others, it activates the reward center in the brain, so when we give a gift, it feels the same as receiving a gift,” King said to Bored Panda.

    What’s more, even tiny altruistic actions, if done every day, can turn into lifetime habits. So if you feel like you haven’t done enough for others this year, fear not—small shifts in your behavior can turn you into a more caring person that your community will adore.

    #7

    93-Year-Old Toy Maker Makes 300 Wooden Trucks For Kids At Christmas

    Police officer and elderly man holding a handmade wooden toy truck, showcasing wholesome Christmas kindness.

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    #8

    The Story Of How A Mysterious "Prowler" Saved His Family's Christmas Nearly 40 Years Ago

    Heartwarming Christmas story about a mysterious Santa gift basket that restored faith in humanity and holiday magic.

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    #9

    My Abusive Ex Hated Anything Festive. I Left Him This Year With Our Son. The Pandemic, On Top Of Starting A Whole New Life, Has Been Wild But I Was Determined To Make Christmas Special

    White Christmas tree glowing with lights and ornaments with wrapped gifts beneath, capturing wholesome Christmas spirit.

    I'm sitting here admiring our tree this morning. This first tree I've had in 9 years.

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    #10

    Nicest Christmas Tree I’ve Seen Yet

    Christmas tree decorated with sunflowers and lights in a heartfelt tribute, highlighting wholesome Christmas moments and faith in humanity.

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    #11

    We Spent All Our Christmas Tree Money On Adopting This Guy Instead

    Light orange cat sitting on a cat tree decorated with Christmas lights and bows, creating a wholesome holiday scene.

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    #12

    We Didn't Know If My Dad Would Make It Home From The Hospital For Christmas Or At All. This Is My Parents Slow Dancing To "I'll Be Home For Christmas" On Christmas Day

    Elderly couple sharing a warm embrace in a cozy home setting, capturing the spirit of wholesome Christmas moments.

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    #13

    Last Dose Of Chemo Done Just In Time For Christmas! It’s Been A Looong Six Months

    Young woman with a shaved head smiling warmly indoors, conveying wholesome Christmas spirit and hope for humanity.

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    #14

    Didn’t Get Any Gifts For Christmas Except From My Landlord. Has No Idea I’ve Been Struggling Lately

    Handwritten Christmas card offering a wholesome gift of half off January rent as a kind holiday gesture.

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    #15

    In 2017 We Escaped My Ex Husband After 8 Years Of Abuse. Charlie Has Been By My Side As I Have Fought Through Difficulties And Illnesses

    Woman in a red plaid shirt sharing a wholesome Christmas moment with her dog in festive attire by a decorated tree.

    I have fought through C-PTSD, Anxiety, Depression And The Year, Working As An ICU Nurse During This Pandemic. This year we got pics for our 1st Christmas card. It may not seem like much, but I'm so excited!

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    #16

    If My ICU Patients Forget For Just A Few Minutes That They're Stuck In ICU Over Christmas, Then It Was All Worth It

    Woman in festive scrubs with a Christmas tree hairstyle and lights, spreading wholesome holiday cheer in a hospital hallway

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    #17

    My Niece Loves Santa Claus. My Dad Loves My Niece. Dad's Been Growing That Beard Since May

    Elderly man dressed as Santa Claus standing in a cozy room with Christmas gifts, showcasing wholesome Christmas spirit.

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    #18

    For Christmas This Year I Made 25 Homeless Backpack Care Kits

    Collection of backpacks filled with wholesome Christmas donations including clothes, food, and essentials to restore faith in humanity.

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    #19

    Our School Lunch Lady Made This Christmas Display By Hand

    Person standing in front of a wholesome Christmas display with Grinch and winter animals, spreading holiday cheer.

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    #20

    Delivery Driver Got My Son His Own UPS Truck For Christmas. My Kiddo Has Autism And Is Obsessed With Them So This Small Act Meant So Much To Him

    Smiling boy sitting on bed holding a toy delivery truck, capturing a wholesome Christmas moment.

    Back story. My son is in Washington visiting his mothers side and the UPS man had to deliver some packages a couple Fay’s before Christmas. Well my son seeing a UPS truck outside the house wanted to go look at it. The driver actually took the time to talk to him and ask him his name and show him around and asked my sons mom about autism. They talked for a bit and he left. My son super happy because he got to see one up close for a longer period of time. The day before Christmas the UPS man came again but delivery a present with just my sons name on it and not his own and left. He opened it Christmas and found that inside. I don’t have the drivers name but would love to find out. Seriously it made my sons Christmas.

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    #21

    I Planned A Christmas Surprise For My Parents, It Went Better Than I Could Have Hoped

    A military homecoming surprise with a soldier embracing family, capturing wholesome Christmas moments that restore faith in humanity.

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    #22

    My Daughter Beat Cancer Today. Best Xmas Gift Ever

    Person wearing a mask ringing a bell outside with colorful ribbons in a snowy setting, celebrating wholesome Christmas moments

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    #23

    My Brother, With Down Syndrome, Holding His Newborn Great Niece On Christmas

    Man smiling warmly while holding a baby dressed in Christmas socks and cozy blanket in a wholesome holiday moment

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    #24

    After Being Married For 6 Years And Being Dirt Poor For 5 Of Them, My Wife And I Bought Our First Christmas Tree

    Lit Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments in a cozy room, capturing wholesome Christmas spirit and joy.

    It’s a small accomplishment, but a welcome one.

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    #25

    A Homeless Woman Caught Someone Stealing My Bike So I Had Her And Her Son Over For Christmas

    Child holds a wrapped present while a woman kneels near a decorated Christmas tree in a wholesome holiday setting.

    A couple months ago I came outside and found a homeless woman named Ann on my stoop next to where I park my Vespa. We talked for a bit and I told her that there is a child with special needs in the building and I would appreciate it if she didn't hang out there. She totally understood. Whenever I’d see her on my neighbor’s stoop she says hi. A few nights later when she was asleep on my neighbor's stoop she caught a guy trying to steal my Vespa. She chased the dude off and called the cops. Ann is a single mother who lost her home to medical debt. Her son has been in foster care while she sleeps on the street so that she can finish her treatment. So I was surprised last week when she told me they were getting off the streets and into a new apartment. I asked her what I could get her for her unfurnished apartment. She said, "Nothing for me, I just wish I could give my son a real Christmas." I didn't know what to do so I told her, "Have your son write a letter to Santa. I'll make sure he gets it." I won't be able to see my family this Christmas and I was sad about it. But thinking about this gave me something to smile about. I knew that whatever I got for my family could go well or not. But that if I got the kid anything it would be better than what I knew he'd get (nothing). He wrote: "Dear santa if u can save mommy and don't let her die I don't want any gifts. That's what I want most. After that I want clothing and food for me and mamma. A scooter, tv, video games for learning, hatchimal, gloves scarf and hat set and mommy to get off her meds and never have to feel sick or sad again." How could I not get a scooter for the guy whose mom saved mine from getting stolen? Merry Christmas, Anthony. You'll be able to start the New Year with your mom and help her get better. Santa is furnishing your new apartment. I hope you like Star Wars sheets and don't mind eating mac and cheese a couple nights a week. Thanks for being tough for your mamma. Tough guys ride tough bikes.

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    #26

    My Little One Having A Nice Breakfast With Her Dad Who’s Finally Home From The Hospital After A Week. Just In Time For Christmas

    Smiling father and happy baby sharing breakfast with strawberries near a decorated Christmas tree in a cozy home.

    24pregnantBC Report

    #27

    I'm A Beekeeper, And This Is Our Christmas Card This Year

    Small red Christmas stockings hung in rows on a decorated box outdoors, evoking wholesome Christmas spirit.

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    #28

    A Highlight Of My Christmas - 5 Generation Photo - Ages 93, 72, 50, 28, 0.5

    Multi-generational family smiling together near Christmas tree, embodying wholesome Christmas moments and festive joy.

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    #29

    My Daughter Was Hospitalized Over Christmas Three Years Ago. Since Then, Every Year She Collects Toy Donations For Kids Who Won’t Be Home For Christmas

    Young girl surrounded by toys in front of a Christmas tree, capturing wholesome Christmas moments restoring faith in humanity.

    I’m proud of her. Merry Christmas! Over 150 toys this year!

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    #30

    13 Years Ago Today We Found Her Hiding Under A Christmas Tree At Lowe's. We Decided To Take Her Home "Just For The Night" To Feed And Warm Her

    Calico cat looking up with wide eyes sitting on a chair in a cozy setting, evoking wholesome Christmas vibes.

    She's been lying about not being fed ever since.

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    #31

    My Dog Likes To Watch Me Zoom Visit With Kids All Over The World

    Santa Claus in a festive room with Christmas decorations sitting at a computer, with a dog resting on the couch nearby.

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    #32

    I Made This Charcoal Portrait Drawing For My Grandma. My Grandpa Unexpectedly Passed Away In November So I Wanted To Surprise Her For Christmas

    Elderly woman and young man holding a heartfelt charcoal portrait, a wholesome Christmas moment restoring faith in humanity.

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    #33

    After Two Years Of Depression, I Got My First Tree As A Single Person. Merry Christmas To All

    Decorated Christmas tree glowing with colorful lights and ornaments in a cozy living room, evoking wholesome holiday spirit.

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    #34

    I Don't Have Room In My Place For A Christmas Tree, So My Mom Made Me This Wreath With Built-In Lights And All The Ornaments From When I Was A Kid

    Woman holding a Christmas wreath decorated with lights and wholesome holiday ornaments in a cozy indoor setting.

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    #35

    This Is Cyrus, My Girlfriend And I Adopted Her Today. She Was Surrendered The Day After Christmas For Being "Too Much Dog"

    Brindle dog with a pink collar peacefully sleeping on a couch, evoking wholesome Christmas moments.

    We took our new pup to a park for 30 minutes and played some tug-of-war, and she's been like this for over an hour. Guess she's the right amount of dog for us.

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    #36

    The True Spirit Of Christmas

    Three people in Santa hats stand by a friendly shop sign offering family support in wholesome Christmas posts.

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    #37

    Every Christmas, I Have To Buy The Exact Same Toy Truck For My Brother

    Four images showing a man happily celebrating Christmas with a collection of Tonka truck toys.

    My brother, Max, is 25 years old and mentally about a 5 year old. He's mentally and physically disabled and the only thing he wants for Christmas is a Blue Police Hummer truck, made in 2000. Part of his Hummer convoy, decorated for their own Thanksgiving parade. All my brother is asking for Christmas is a blue Tonka Hummer truck. Which would be a lot easier if they weren't produced in 2000. And if we hadn't bought every other one on eBay for the last 17 years. He plays with them for hours daily, so a lot of them have broken down and been used for parts over the years. This specific model has levers on the back to adjust the winch and to move it forwards and backwards. It's also slow enough for him to keep up with. He hates the rubber tires, so they come off immediately. It needs to have a metal hook. I've tried making him resin cast copies over the years, but he only likes the metal ones. I've tried painting the orange or red ones blue, but he can tell the difference. It is mission impossible to find one of these trucks, but thanks to the internet Max got his new truck for Christmas!

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    #38

    My Dad Was A Police Officer Who Worked And Spent The Day At Major Crash Where 2 Children Had Died. I Was 3-Years-Old On Christmas Day

    Father and child sharing a peaceful moment on armchair in a cozy room, capturing wholesome Christmas family love.

    I only found this out today.

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    #39

    I Live In The Hood. Got A Text From The Elderly Lady Downstairs Asking If She Could Decorate My Door For Christmas. Came Home To This. Not Even Mad

    Front door decorated with festive wrapping paper and Christmas ornaments, showcasing wholesome holiday spirit.

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    #40

    Bought My Dad A LEGO Porsche This Christmas, He’s Been Busy Building Ever Since

    Man focused on building a model car at a Christmas-themed table near a decorated tree in a wholesome holiday setting.

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    #41

    Neighborhood Kids Were Using This Lady’s Yard For Sledding Without Asking. She Responded By Blasting Xmas Music Out Her Window, Putting On A Santa Hat With A Beard And Joining Them

    Person in a Santa hat holding a sled on a snowy hill surrounded by trees in a wholesome Christmas winter scene

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    #42

    My Wife And I Got Married Over Thanksgiving. Her Grandma Immediately Got To Work On My Christmas Stocking. She Just Finished It

    Christmas stocking with a detailed Santa Claus design in front of a festive red door, capturing wholesome Christmas spirit.

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    #43

    My Grandma And Her Brother Have Sent Each Other The Same Christmas Card Back And Forth For 63 Years

    Vintage Santa Claus holding a Hearty Greetings scroll on a nostalgic Christmas card with handwritten years inside.

    My great uncle Wallace bought the card and sent it to my grandma in 1953 but forgot to write inside - so she kept hold of it and sent it back to him the following year, the tradition went from there!

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    #44

    Dog Waits 8 Months To Find A Home, Gets Adopted By Caretaker On Christmas

    Man in a Santa hat holding a large dog wearing an elf hat, standing near a decorated Christmas tree with lights and cards.

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    #45

    Grandpa Had Professional Pictures Taken Of Himself For His Christmas Cards

    Hand holding a collage of professional Christmas photos of an elderly man with Happy Holidays text, showcasing wholesome holiday spirit.

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    #46

    Dr. Fauci Is Taking Care Of Santa Claus This Christmas

    Tweet showing Dr. Fauci humorously saying he vaccinated Santa Claus to assure Christmas safety, a wholesome Christmas post.

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    #47

    I Moved In With My Grandparents And Decided We Would Be Sending Out Christmas Cards This Year. We Make The Perfect Team

    Three family members wearing festive Christmas hats pose happily indoors by a decorated tree in a wholesome holiday setting.

    I love them. I do the heavy lifting, technology and driving. Grandpa gets the mail and grandma does literally everything else.

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    #48

    When My Neighbor Found Out We Were Covid Positive This Week, She Rushed Out And Got Us A Little Live Tree With Lights So We'd Have A Bit Of Christmas Cheer

    Small decorated Christmas tree with lights and stockings hanging on a white cabinet, creating a wholesome holiday scene.

    This small gesture meant so much to me and my husband.

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    #49

    Meet Hiccup, We've Given Him A Home For Christmas

    Black cat with one ear missing resting indoors, capturing a wholesome Christmas moment that may restore your faith in humanity.

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    #50

    Made Our Own Christmas Tree Where We Are Deployed

    Christmas tree made from tires and cans outside a tent, a creative wholesome Christmas post in a desert setting.

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    #51

    Our 1st Christmas Together And Our 14th Christmas Together

    Woman holding and kissing a puppy next to a Christmas tree, then the same woman with a grown dog by a decorated tree, wholesome Christmas scene.

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    #52

    I'm A 38-Year-Old Man Having My Best Christmas Ever Because I Finally Got A Baby Polar Bear. Say Hi To Nala

    Man holding a fluffy white puppy outside, capturing a wholesome Christmas moment to restore faith in humanity.

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