Even if you don't spend your nights and weekends volunteering at the homeless shelter, there's still a lot you can do to brighten the world each day. As cliche as it sounds, everyone can make a difference. This season, vow to spread a little cheer and contribute back to your community or society, no matter how much time you have to spare.

1. MicroHero

MicroHero is the coolest new app that donates a small amount of money for answering research questions. For answering just a few simple questions about your habits and preferences, you can earn small amounts of money for a charity that you select. You can watch your earned amount increase over time and team up with friends and family.

2. Bake some biscuits for a local dog shelter.

You probably already have most, if not all, ingredients in your kitchen already. Team up with your friends or significant other to bake them, and then contact local shelters and hand deliver them. The pups will thank you with lots of wet kisses.

3. Clean out your closet, and donate what you no longer want or need.

Let's face it - we all have clothes in our closet that are collecting dust. As a rule, if you haven't worn it once in the past year, you're not going to wear it, so you might as well clean it out and give it to someone who could actually use it. You could even schedule clothing donation pickups.

4. Write a letter to a solider.

Sending handwritten letters is a lost art. Handwritten letters can bring a smile to anyone's face, especially a deployed soldier fighting for our country. Soldier's Angel has a letter writing team you could join. You could also track down your local cookie-selling Girl Scout. Sometimes Girl Scout troops send letters and cookies to deployed troops.

5. Treat someone to a cup of coffee.

Treat the person behind you in line at Starbucks, and then ask them to do the same next time they're getting coffee. You might just start a chain of good deeds and spread the cheer for days and miles.