Spread the Christmas spirit

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. "
Roy L. Smith

December is the month for hearty Christmas carols, crumbly mince pieces and warming mulled wine. Hurry and hit the streets for some festive adventures – ice skating, theatre trips and puppet-shows galore.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love and goodwill to all. But with all the stress and commotion of the season, many of us end up feeling quite to opposite.

Here are some ideas to improve the Christmas spirit around you. Promise it does not take much...apart from a little personal effort!

Wish people that you meet in stores and other casual environments a happy holiday. Say it with a smile.

Drop spare coins in the Salvation Army collection buckets.

Do something nice for someone. Offer to baby-sit so a friend can do her Christmas shopping, take cookies to your neighbors, or shovel an elderly neighbor's walk.

Volunteer your time to a worthy holiday cause. Even if you are busy, you can spare an hour or two to help people less fortunate than yourself.

Organize a drive at work, at school or in your neighborhood. Collect food and personal items and donate them to a local shelter for the homeless or for battered women.

Play Christmas music.

Watch Christmas movies. "It's a Wonderful Life" is a good one for reviving a flagging Christmas spirit, as is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Read "A Christmas Carol" and "A Child's Christmas in Wales."

Decorate your house for the holidays.

Hug your hubby and your kids and wish them a happy holiday season.