In the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas, it is so easy to become fixated on what popular gift you are buying or what you hope someone is getting you. In doing that, we miss the purpose of this wonderful holiday. We become selfish and lose sight of what is actually important. Christmas is about giving and loving one another. Instead of focusing on material items, here is a challenge to consider: find a way to make a difference. Put yourself aside and find a way to help someone and to show them you care. There are so many hurting people in this world. We should be looking for ways to show them love all the time – and especially during the holidays. Here are ten easy ways to make a difference this holiday season:

1. Donate non-perishable items to a local food bank.

Most of us have so much more than we need, and there are so many people who are not getting enough.

2. Babysit for a single-mom so she can have an evening to herself.

Single-moms do everything and it is often rare that they get any time of their own. Ask a single-mom you know if you can babysit so she can have some much-needed time to herself.

3. Pay for someone's meal when you are eating out.

This is such a simple way to brighten someone's day.

4. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.

Again, it is simple, but is such a nice way to cheer someone up.

5. Drop baskets of goodies off at your neighbor's homes.

Put together a lovely little basket of treats such as candy, home-baked goods, nuts, or anything else yummy and Christmasy! Drop your baskets off at your neighbor's homes as a reminder that you care.

6. Invite a lonely friend or acquaintance to have a Christmas dinner with you and your family.

For many, the holidays are a beautiful, magical, happy, family-filled time of year. However, a lot of people are very sad and lonely during this time of year. Either they are going through a hard time, or they have no family left, and instead of happiness and joy, they feel loneliness during the Christmas season. If you know someone like this, invite them over for a Christmas dinner and celebration. Let them know they are not alone. You will impact them more than you will ever know.

7. Give a homeless person a meal or a gift card to a restaurant.

It may not get them out of the situation they are in, but it will remind them that there are still good people in the world and that all is not hopeless.

8. Look through a charitable organizations gift catalog and choose a cause to give to this holiday season.

So many charitable organizations have gift giving catalogs. After looking at them, you can choose specific projects or causes for your donation to support. Check out Show Hope. Another good place is World Vision.

9. Try smiling at someone you pass who looks worn down or stressed.

So many people look unhappy this time of year. Instead of rushing past and ignoring them, try making eye contact and giving them a smile. Something as simple as that can make a major difference to someone who is hurting or struggling.

10. Be willing to sacrifice.

Because Christmas is not about us. As a Christian, it is about the love that Christ showed the world by coming to earth and eventually making the ultimate sacrifice so that anybody can know him and know hope, love and grace. Christmas isn't about the gifts you get, or the money you spend. It is about showing others love and making a difference – even if it means making sacrifices.