It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Three Kings Day, St. Lucia Day, or Ramadan, we can all agree that the Holiday season is the absolute best time of the year.

This is the time of year when families and friends come together to rejoice in happiness and give thanks for all that life has to offer. Even though everyone celebrates differently, we all still focus on the same goal during the season: to be genuinely grateful.

Many of us may find it easy to sit down, look around, and be thankful for our blessings in life. However, we seem to forget that not everyone has the chance to do the same. Not every person has a family to celebrate with. Not every child has a gift to be given. Not everyone is able to enjoy the holidays the same way we may be able to.

During this holiday season, it is important to remember to give back. Give to those who may not be able to experience the love and joy that this time brings. Give to those who don't look as happy as they should be this time of year. Give to those who need it more than you do. It doesn't have to be monetary, and it doesn't have to take up a lot of your time, but please, give back to someone.

There are more way to give back than we may be able to imagine. So here are a few ideas on how to make someone smile during the holidays:

1. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while.

2. Donate the toys your siblings or children haven't touched to a children's hospital.

3. Leave a note of encouragement on someone's windshield.

4. Donate your jackets to the local homeless shelter.

5. Bring treats to work for your coworkers.

6. Donate blood.

7. Pay for the person in line behind you.

8. Smile at a stranger.

9. Hold the door for the man behind you.

10. Help the woman carry her grocery bags to her car.

11. Pay someone new a compliment every day.

12. Sing Christmas carols at an assisted-living facility.

13. Instead of Secret Santa, have everyone donate gifts to Toys for Tots.

14. Bake a pie for your local fire or police stations.

15. Write letters to soldiers.

16. Volunteer at an animal shelter.

17. Pack stockings for the homeless.

18. Donate to a food bank.

19. Over-tip your waiter or waitress.

20. Give away your extra Christmas decorations to those who can't afford them.

21. Remind yourself that giving back doesn't only have to be done during the holiday season.

These are only a few way to give back during this holiday season. Challenge yourself this year, and do something you normally wouldn't do. Do something that can benefit another person. Be selfless, be caring, and be thankful.