It's a sad reality to face, but not every kid got the chance to grow up in a world with Santa Clause, bountiful gifts, healthy family members, and food on the table. And if you did grow up in such a world, it can be easy to take some of these things for granted. Sometimes, it's easy to forget just how far a few simple acts of kindness can go. This holiday season, make it your goal to help someone in need along the way. Here are 12 ideas to get you started:

1. Look into Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is a program that collects and distributes toys for less fortunate kids. This program is nationwide and serves a wonderful purpose during the holiday season.

2. Donate blood

A week or so ago, I donated blood for the first time ever through the Red Cross blood drive. Was it terrifying at first? Yes. Did it hurt when they pricked my finger? Yes. But the pain is nothing compared to the amount of pride you'll feel after you've donated. The anticipation is by far the worst part. By donating a pint of blood, you can save up to three lives.

3. Cook a meal for someone

This could be as simple as cooking dinner for your family, or go beyond that, such as delivering meals to homeless people in your area.

4. Buy from companies that give back (TOMS, FEED, Better World Books)

TOMS promises that with every purchase of shoes, glasses, or a bag, a person in need is helped. This company helps provide shoes, eye care, and water access to the less fortunate. The company FEED has a similar promise, as does Better World Books. Why not do some holiday shopping at stores that give back?

5. Visit a nursing home

You don't have to be related to anyone in the nursing home, sending cards or stopping by around the holidays will surely warm some hearts no matter what.

6. Donate clothes or shoes

The Salvation Army is perhaps the most well known international charitable organization. Their efforts help about 25 million Americans each year. However, their efforts would not be as widespread without the help of community members like you and me.

7. Tutor or babysit

Typically, tutoring and babysitting pay pretty well, but you'll surely make some families smile this season if you decide to help out without accepting the cash.

8. Give nice tips

The holidays are hectic times for restaurants, cleaning services, and delivery men and women. While it's polite to tip year round, what better way to get in the giving spirit than by giving generous tips this time of year?

9. Donate canned goods

It's so simple to buy and donate non perishable food items. All you have to do is drop them off at nearby grocery stores that are collecting, or find your closest food bank.

10. Donate to animal shelters

You can donate animal food to nearby shelters, or make a donation to larger organizations such as the ASPCA.

11. Donate to a women's shelter or clinic

I recently watched a video that addressed how homeless women cope with their periods, and it really showed me that even the smallest donations can make someone's day, week, or month. If you're interested, you can watch the video here.

12. Donate your hair

There are a few different organizations that take hair donations in order to make wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair. Some of these organizations include Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Wigs 4 Kids.