How to Make the Holidays a Little Brighter and Enjoy the Season More

Flip the usual script and get your loved ones involved in making the holidays brighter for everyone.

Step 1: Convert parties to giving events Convert the usual office, family, or neighborhood party to a giving event, volunteering to do for others or to donate money to a cause.
TIP: Offer to shelter someone, or a family, if you can this season.
Step 2: Write letters Write Christmas letters to others, which will honor and delight them, and which you will enjoy as well.
Step 3: Host a goofy gift exchange Host a White Elephant Exchange, in which friends and family bring unwanted gifts and all take turns pulling a number out of a hat to pick the next bizarre present. Don't laugh too hard: that gift might be your surprise next year.
Step 4: Check out light displays Ride with the family to city, neighborhood, or public park Christmas light displays and enjoy the sights.
Step 5: Attend church and community events Attend church and community plays, nativities, musicals, recitals, choir performances, or special meals that celebrate the season of giving.
TIP: Make a family ritual of taking time to count your blessings, telling stories of the seasons past, and remembering loved ones.
Step 6: Eat and be merry Eat and be merry during the holidays with those you love. Coordinate a potluck with relatives or neighbors to get together and share good cheer. That's what it's all about.
FACT: Americans mail out 1.8 billion Christmas cards annually, over 11 times more than Valentine's Day.