Christmas is the time of year, when we think about what it means to give something. Not just the superficial, because it looks polite, and everyone will think I'm good kind of giving, but real giving.

But why wait 'till then? Why not start right now. But I don't know what I can do, you say. Well, this article might just be able to help you out with that.

#1. Give of your prayers.

If there is one thing that is needed most in this world, it's prayer. Pray for the sick, the elderly, the abused, the forgotten. Add your family, church, pastor, neighborhoods, and schools to that list as well. If you take just one hour, and lift up the people around you in prayer, what a difference it would be.

#2. Give of your time.

There are plenty of volunteer organizations that need help all year long, not just on the holidays. Some of these might include your local church, soup kitchen, or even your child's school or the public library. Some other better known organizations are: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Salvation Army, and The Red Cross.

#3. Give of your stuff.

We all have extra things lying around our house, some of which could really help someone out. Old cell phones, for example can be dropped off at your local Wal-Mart. These phones will then be donated to abused women, so that they will have some means of getting help, if things get really ugly. Or you can donate your old cell phones to Cell Phones For Soilders, an organization that will recycle phones, and purchase calling cards for soldiers to call home on.

Your local family resource center or Good Will, will accept donations of clothing, books, housewares, some electronics, shoes, and jewelry. These organizations will help families in need by selling the donated items to the public. Food pantries and children's homes also need help year round.

#4. Give of your money.

Here's where some people get stuck, it's donation time. There are time where no amount of volunteering will make up for the fact, that most organizations need money to keep doing what they do. Many of them will gladly accept monetary donations from anyone who wishes to help them out.

Often, you can write off such donations on your yearly income taxes, but don't do it just for that. Do it because you feel like giving, because if you were down, you would want a hand up.

Hopefully, one of these suggestions will give you that aha moment, as a reminder of what you could be doing to help. Remember that Christmas can last all year, if you practice its principles all the other 364 days of the year.

Learn more about this author, Helen Heard.
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