This time of year always seems so hectic- the endless hours of shopping in order to find the perfect gift for your friends and family, baking, sending out cards, and attending and hosting holiday themed parties. It's no wonder so many are delighted and stressed around the holidays. At times, it seems we are so wrapped up in the presentation of spreading cheer that we forget to actually enjoy what the holidays are really about- the simple joys. There are an infinite number of little things we can do to brighten the holidays for both us and our loved ones

1. Share hot chocolate with a friend.

2. Participate in holiday decorating.

3. Call a family member you don't talk to often.

4. Tell your parents that you love them.

5. Play a game with your little siblings- no matter how old you are.

6. Make a homemade card for a loved one. It's much more meaningful than one bought from the store and also cheaper.

7. Smile at a stranger on the street.

8. Hold the door open for people behind you. Simple acts of kindness are enough to make a person's day.

9. If possible, try to spare a dollar to the Salvation Army or someone in need

10. Bake cookies with a family member. It doesn't matter too much if they don't turn out pretty; the memories are the most important part.

11. Refrain from arguing during the holidays- no matter how correct you may think yourself to be.

12. Laugh at your family member's cheesy jokes.

13. Also, listen to their childhood stories. They get a lot of joy out of telling them.

14. Let your loved ones know that you're thinking of them during the holidays.

15. Express gratitude. A simple thank you is almost always enough.

16. During dinner, compliment the cook.

17. Help out with chores- by doing so you're making the holidays much more manageable for others.

18. This one isn't totally necessary, but sporting festive socks and sweaters always makes things a lot more fun. Trust me.

19. Don't be snobby or ungrateful for a gift you received. EVER. The person who got you the gift was thinking of you and spent time, effort, and money so that you could have a present. Be kind.

20. Ask other's about their life. The holidays are a wonderful time to really get closer to others.

21. Don't be judgmental of someone else's beliefs, choices in life, appearances, education level, and so on. Acceptance is something we should express all year long, especially during the holidays. The holidays are a time of forgiveness, joy, and love.

22. Speaking of forgiveness, try to drop any old grudges you may hold. It's not healthy.

23. Compliment a friend's outfit.

24. Don't ruin Santa or any other fictional holiday character for children. They'll figure out in time, but let them enjoy the enchantment of listening for reindeer hooves on the roof while they are still young.

25. Don't wait for New Year's to become a better person. The beauty of the holidays is the fact that it presents so many opportunities to be kinder and closer to the ones you love. You don't have to create world peace quite yet, perhaps a good starting point is by committing small random acts of kindness. A simple heartfelt smile can speak a thousand words.