How to make every day a holiday

Performing service on the holidays

Tasha Laird — If you give it some thought, the holidays are about more than giving and receiving gifts. The holidays are about being a bit kinder, taking life a bit slower, and having given a bit more of yourself. It stands to reason, then, that you can make every day a holiday if you give it a serious effort.

You'll be surprised at just how quickly keeping the spirit of the holidays with you throughout the year becomes second nature with practice. Here are a few things that you can do to make every day a holiday:

1. Volunteer

No matter your interests, there's a charity for your cause. Whether you love to crochet, like pets more than people, or have an interest in Veteran's affairs, you have dozens of opportunities to get involved. You don't have to spend hours a day volunteering, even a few minutes of your time can be beneficial. Send an email a day to lawmakers in support of Veterans and those in the military, share a Facebook post from your local dog shelter, or spend 30 minutes adding rows to an Afghan to send to the local children's hospital.

2. Donate

Do you donate to charities around the holidays? Every birthday, holiday, or personal event is an opportunity for giving. Instead of buying someone an expensive gift that will sit in a cupboard or be outgrown, donate to a family member or friend's favorite charity in lieu of a tangible gift. Give your loved one a card that announces your donation in their name. Your loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

3. Time

For some friends and family members, the holidays are the only time of the year that they see your beautiful face. Slow down a bit and spend some time with the people that you love. Whether it's taking your teenager to the movies or taking your elderly mother out to lunch, the gift of your time will go a long way. Make a couple of mugs of coffee and walk next door to talk to that neighbor you love. Volunteer to pick up the kids after school so your partner can have some "me" time. Think of ways that you can give the gift of your time to the people that so rarely get it.

4. Little Something Specials

Did you know that one of the only things that your partner wants from you is a bit of attention? Did you know that your kids feel the same way? If you are bad at showing affection, now's the time to get good at it. Include a hand-written note on your child's napkin that he or she will see at lunch. Put a sticky note on your partner's steering wheel wishing him or her a good day at work. Buy a favorite coffee or candy for your partner or kids on your way home from work. By doing little something specials, you'll put yourself and everyone else in a good mood. Singing together in the morning before school can often help kids to feel relaxed and positive.

5. Help

Do you have elderly neighbors that could use your help? Do you know a harried new mother who could use assistance? Visit these people and find out how you can help them for an afternoon. Maybe you could cut your neighbor's grass on Saturdays. Perhaps you could sit with that new mom's infant for an hour so she can get out of the house. The way that you choose to help someone doesn't have to be over-the-top; it just has to be beneficial.

If you're having a tough time getting into the spirit, put your favorite Christmas music on your iPod and start thinking. You don't have to wait for the holidays to roll back around to be a kinder, more helpful person. With the right attitude and determination, you can make every day a holiday for you and those you love.