13 Great Ways to Spread Holiday Spirit

1: Become a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, not only is it a great way to help the needy families in your area; it also gets you out and meeting new people in your community.

2: Volunteer at a local soup kitchen serving meals. It is another great way to spread the joy of the season and help families in need.

3: Donate food to a food pantry. You are helping keep food in one local families stomach this holiday season.

4: Help an older or disabled neighbor with daily chores, such as grocery shopping or even shoveling their side walk. Maybe even volunteer to help them write out their holiday cards. I am sure they will thank you for your kindness.

5: Go through your families closets and donate things that no longer fit well or are not used to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. These items will be put to good use by people who need them.

6: Spend time with your family baking cookies and share a few with local charities. You will get quality time with those you love, and a local charity will admire your kind gesture as no one can turn down fresh baked goods.

7: According to CCN.com, the average American child gets 70 new toys a year, most of them during the holiday season. No doubt, at least 65 of them will lose their appeal within nanoseconds of being opened, quietly relegated to a corner to gather dust.

Donate new or gently used toys to Toys for Tots. Each toy donated with bring a huge smile to a less fortune child's face this holiday season. Get the kids involved it is a great way to show them compassion for others.

8: Pick a name or two from the "Angel Tree". Buy a gift for a needy person, often they ask for the simplest items such as a new toothbrush or a small toy for their child. Do not forget the adults also, often these adults go out of their way to make the holiday season special for their children, yet get nothing themselves for the holiday.

9: Visit a local hospital or nursing home and visit with the patients. Some have no family or friends and will greatly enjoy your company if even for a moment.

10: Use your knitting skills to create mittens, hats and scarves for families in need. Everyone needs these simple items to stay warm during the cold season!

11: Use your handyman skills to complete household repairs for someone. You will feel good using your talents and you will save them money they may not have.

12: Donate money to your favorite charity. Remember every extra penny may make a difference even if your donation is small.

13: Donate your old holiday decorations to a family who has little or none. Have a decorating party and invite other families in the area to bring their old decorations to help this needy family decorate their home for the holidays.