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Keeping up with this week of the Blogging Christmas Challenge, here are some ideas for things you can to do help others during the holidays.

Play Santa’s Helper: Each year I see many people who want to give their kids a special Christmas, but just simply don’t have the money to do so! It’s hard for kids to understand why Santa might give their friends at school everything under the sun and moon but not them - so this is really a great way to make a difference! Go to sites like Freecycle and Craigslist and you’re bound to find someone who’s posted “Wanted” Ads or needing help for Christmas. (Hate Craigslist’s interface? There is a Craigslist alternative!)  Maybe your kids have toys they’ve outgrown or you have things around the house collecting dust someone could use this Christmas, or maybe buying $20 worth of toys at a discount store can make all the difference.

Give the Gift of Music: Did you know that nursing home residents and hospital patients LOVE Christmas carolers? This one costs nothing to do - all you need is to assemble a group of people to go around singing and then contact the event coordinator to schedule when you could come. Bonus if someone can play the guitar! Sing any songs you want - you can get all the lyrics online and print them out for everyone.

Raise Money for Charity: You’d be amazed at how easy it is to raise money for charity when you do something fun. You can have a holiday Bowl-a-Thon or throw a party with silent auctions or raffle prizes of gift cards.  Organize it yourself, or find someone who’s been doing it for years and see if you can help them.

Help Others Decorate: Many people would love to decorate for Christmas, but simply might not be able to afford to or have physical limitations or poor health keeping them from hanging lights from their rooftop. You can get tons of cheap Christmas decorations at the thrift store or dollar store.

Send Cards: A Christmas card might not seem like a big deal, but it’s nice to see them in the mail besides the usual bills and junk mail! Send them to everyone you know - your neighbors, the garbage man, basically anybody you can think of! If postage costs seem daunting, don’t forget you can always send ecards or hand deliver them yourself!

Bake Cookies: There’s a good chance somewhere around you there are kids who have never baked or decorated Christmas cookies. Contact your local children’s organizations (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daycare centers, YMCA’s, your child’s teachers, etc.) to see if they would be able to assist you in organizing and helping kids decorate their own sweet treats to eat and share with their families this Christmas.

Give the Gift of Time: Time is always at a premium, especially around the holidays. You can give the gift of time by offering to run errands, watch someone’s children, or even help with caring for aging parents. Sparing an hour or two of your time could help someone take a breather from their every day responsibilities.

Have any other ideas on ways to spread holiday cheer and help others during the Christmas season? We would love to hear them, so share them in the comments below!