Christmas is a time to spend surrounded by loved ones, celebrating all that’s important in life.  In the midst of celebration, however, it is also important to remember those who are not as lucky and barely have enough to survive. While you watch your children opening presents, stop to think of children with bare Christmas trees or families who do not even have a house to put one in. Soak in the light of loved ones this Christmas, but also take time to do something that will make the holiday a little brighter for individuals who may not be as fortunate.

There are parents who work hard all year, yet still cannot afford to buy their children gifts from Santa. There are children who do not know the excitement of opening that brand new toy they’ve been hoping for all year. There are  mothers and fathers who must work all day long just to give their children dinner at night. You may feel bad for these people, but that is not enough. To really help, you must also take action, and this year, if you are able, there are many simple ways to help.

Maybe you go Christmas shopping for your kids, checking off toys as you go along. You pay for the gifts and have five dollars left in change. As you walk out the store, you hear the Salvation Army bells ringing, so you place that five dollars in the bucket. It doesn’t seem like much, but for someone who has nothing, five dollars can go a long way.

You see the bins in the mall or the little train with TOYS FOR TOTS printed on it. This is a Christmas toy drive organized by the Salvation Army. These toys go to children who have possibly never experienced the thrill of opening a Christmas gift. Something as simple as a stuffed animal or a book can mean so much. You could take your children shopping to pick out a toy for another child. It’s a good lesson for them to learn that will teach them how to care about others. It’s also a Christmas present for your children and they will feel good to know they are making someone else happy.

You don’t necessarily  have to go through a specific organization to buy gifts for those less fortunate at Christmas. Perhaps you know a family in your neighborhood or someone who goes to school with your children. They wear hand me downs and never participate in show and tell at school. Their parents work hard, but can’t seem to make ends meet. Get some people together and find ways to help. Donate toys, clothing, and food. Think about the children, but also remember that adults deserve a happy Christmas too. Invite someone to Christmas dinner, even if you don’t know them that well. Chances are, they could use a friend, especially at Christmas.

Shopping for Christmas dinner presents another opportunity to make Christmas better for someone else.  While you are throwing in cans of vegetables and other essentials, pick up a few extras and donate them to a local food pantry. You could even help take food around to people who desperately need it. Another option is to help out at a food kitchen. Maybe you have a few extra hours Christmas day. Take the family and help serve up a great dinner to people who cannot afford to have their own.

If none of these opportunities to give back are activities you feel comfortable with, consider donating to a charity.  It is a tough economy where many families are struggling, but anything you can give will be helpful. Your money can go further than you think.Everyone deserves a happy, festive holiday. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or something else, it doesn’t matter. People all want to be happy. However, it shouldn’t stop with the holiday. There are many people who need help all year long. A donation here and there, an extra can of vegetables or a Christmas present. It all makes a difference.

Enjoy the holidays with your family this year. Be happy, sing Christmas carols and visit relatives, but don’t forget how capable you are of making the holiday a happy one for others. Helping out your neighbor does not require special skills or a massive bank account. It can be as easy as offering a helping hand. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, kindness is often forgotten. This year, be the one to remember.