“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

The holidays look different this year for most of us, making it even more difficult for some. But there are still many ways to (safely) help each other and continue to share joy and kindness. Here are ways to boost your own mood and spread genuine, heartfelt holiday cheer to others.

• Play music and sing songs – holiday music usually inspires a merry and joyful feeling for most people
• Try a new recipe that the whole family can help with
• Write a personal note (in a holiday card) that expresses how much someone means to you
• Donate unused clothes and coats to a charity or homeless shelter
• Check in on elderly neighbors – maybe shovel their sidewalk, offer to carry their groceries, or help deliver packages to the post office
• Give a genuine compliment and/or tell a stranger to have a great day
• Pick up a piece of litter outside
• Donate blood / plasma
• Support a charity you are passionate about
• Write an enthusiastic, positive review for a local business you enjoy
• Stick nice notes in unexpected places for your friends, family (or even strangers) to find
• Give someone a book you enjoyed
• Call family and friends to talk
• Put away phones and focus on the person you are with

And if you’re the one needing some help, don’t be afraid to ask. Sure, it’s a holly jolly time of year, but it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and downright bah-humbuggy. Sometimes just knowing others are there to share the load can do wonders for boosting our good ol’ holiday spirit.