With lights shining bright, gifts being given, cheerful songs playing, and visits from friends and family, there's no doubt about it- the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year.

Unfortunately, this isn't true for many people.

In America alone, 1.56 million people are homeless, and unable to afford to prepare holiday meals, purchase gifts, or even travel to visit family members.

More than 45 million American's live below the poverty line, and while they may be able to save enough money to have a place to live and something to eat, when you have so little, it can be extremely difficult to afford holiday traditions. For example, according to ABC News, the average American spends over $700 on Christmas.

When you're struggling to get by, $700 is a lot- you can't just stop paying for rent, electricity, water, or other bills during the holiday season to offset the difference. And depending on where you live in the country, these expenses can be even more expensive.

According to CNBC, the current top ten most expensive states in America are: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maryland, Connecticut, Alaska, Massachusetts, California, New York, and Hawaii. For anyone living in these states, the average cost of the holidays, as well as the average cost of living, would be much higher.

Some people might say "well why buy things you don't need?". And I understand where these people are coming from- anyone who has taken a basic introduction to economics class understands budgeting and managing your finances. But at the same time, I don't agree.

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time for everyone, and I really believe that regardless of your income and socioeconomic status, you deserve to have a happy holiday season.

You should be able to afford a holiday meal, gifts, a few traditional decorations, going to see family and friends, and even indoor shelter, as the holidays are often quite cold. Just because someone isn't well off doesn't mean that they don't deserve to be comfortable and happy.

Many people consider the holidays to be the season of giving. So why not donate to those in need, to enable them to have a happy holiday season?

You could donate to a food bank, or volunteer at a soup kitchen to serve a holiday meal (click here to find one near you), donate holiday gifts to children in need (HuffPost has some great ideas on this), bring holiday cheer to the homeless (Make It Right has a list ideas that practically anyone can participate in), or even help animals stay safe during the holidays (check out these great ideas by The Humane Society).

Just think, something as simple as donating a blanket could make someone's holiday season better. So why not spread some holiday cheer and give back during this holiday season?