The spirit of Christmas can outlast Christmas Day

In a sense, the Christmas season ends on December 25. You've shopped, attended family gatherings, attended office parties, and perhaps even been out to see Christmas light displays in your respective city. Maybe you participated in your home town's Christmas parade.

The fun continues for a few days until New Year's Day arrives one week later.

We move on into the New Year and with our respective lives.

But the spirit of Christmas is something you can carry far beyond December 25 and the week that follows.

There is a certain mysterious magic about the Christmas season. Acts of charity and generosity are in style. We may be involved ourselves, participate in church charity events, or see first responders take meals and toys to families in need.

It happens in December, but don't forget to be generous and charitable at all times of year.

It doesn't take complicated and time-consuming acts of kindness. The most significant acts of kindness are many times the easiest to accomplish.

Encourage friends who are going through health difficulties or hard times. Make a phone call to connect with folks you haven't seen in a while.

If your talent is cooking, make dinner for a homeless shelter in your area. If you love kids, donate needed items for children in foster care.

Be polite when driving your car. Let folks merge in front of you when you can. Hold the door open for people in your apartment building or even help them carry items when their hands are full.

If you have access to sports tickets, give them away to people who would enjoy the game but who cannot afford to attend many games.

These suggestions are merely the "tip of the iceberg". Let me know if you have more to add to this list.

Socialize with those who are lonely. Stay active in your church.

Christmas will always be a magical time of year, but it doesn't have to be the only time of year that we spread "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."