This is an updated repost of a popular holiday themed blog post I did a couple years ago.

Need some surefire ways to get into the Christmas Spirit? Here are 10 ideas to help us all think a little less like Scrooge as the holidays get closer.

1. Let your neighbors know that you’re thankful for them. Send them some cookies or better yet, bake them a pie.

2. Make an edible cornucopia and give it to a family in need.

3. Create and drop off a shoebox filled with toys and other gifts that Samaritan’s Purse will deliver to needy kids all over the world.

4. Are you a musician? Do you sing? Don’t keep it to yourself. Find a local shelter or a nursing home and see if you can come and do a holiday concert for free. I’m sure you’ll get a crowd and the residents will be grateful.

5. Volunteer somewhere.

6. Go to a fast food restaurant and buy some gift certificates. Keep them with you and when someone on the street asks you for money for food, you can help them without worrying they are using it for something self-destructive. Oh, and why not ask them what they are thankful for this holiday season?

7. Buy a goat. I’m serious. Heifer.org offers lots of creative ways to give a gift with some meaning.

8. The Salvation Army is everywhere. They need volunteers to help with Thanksgiving and Christmas meal preparation and deliveries.

9. When a parent is in prison, so are their kids. There are tons of kids whose holidays won’t be the same because their mom or dad are in prison this year. You can help through Project Angel Tree.

10. If nothing else, take some time before you fill up on turkey to count your blessings. Things could be a lot worse.