As the holiday season is now in full swing, it’s easy to get wrapped up in decorating (no pun intended), gift buying and all those holiday gatherings. But it’s more important to take a step back and recognize what the holiday season signifies.

It’s not hard to lose sight of what the holidays are all about. It’s the season of giving and not just about gifts either. Sometimes, it’s doing something kind as a way of giving back, whether it be to a friend, a family member or even a stranger. It’s the season of being thankful.

Be thankful for the people you have in your life, where you live and the opportunities you’ve been granted. It’s also the season of reflection. As quickly as December comes, it will fly by and a new year will be here in new time. Take a moment to reflect what may have gone well for you over the year and what you could improve on to become a better person in the year to come.

More importantly, it's a season of awareness. It’s the time where we recognize there are troops overseas fighting for our freedom who don’t get to be with their families. There are homeless people on the streets that aren’t fortunate enough to have a warm meal or a roof over their head or kids without a winter jacket to keep them warm. It’s a season to give back and do good.

So I challenge you. Yes, it’s a busy time of year where there are lots of things to do, people to see and places to be. But all it takes is five minutes or less to do something nice this holiday season. Of course, the more time you give, the merrier, but all I ask of is five minutes.

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Here a few good deeds that can take five minutes or less that are sure to make your heart feel light and put a smile on someone's face:

1. Help an elderly person with their groceries.

2. Buy a homeless person a meal or help them get to a warm place.

3. Make someone laugh.

4. Shovel or snow blow someone’s driveway.

5. Smile at a stranger.

6. Buy someone flowers.

7. Hold the door for someone.

8. Say “Happy Holidays” to recognize all those different celebrations people take part in.

9. Serve food at a soup kitchen.

10. Greet troops on a flight coming home or departing.

11. Buy the person’s coffee or breakfast behind you in the drive-thru.

12. Donate blood.

With that said, don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch! Go brighten someone’s day and remember the true meaning behind the holiday season.