Grace Massoud wrote this article on MTV Website:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas is a holiday sprinkling joy and wonder on the planet in the dead of winter.

The streets are drizzled with bright beautiful twinkling lights. The decorations everywhere teleport us to a land of magic where we can put our worries aside for a season. The sometimes dreary pace of our routines are pumpkin spiced up to everyone’s delight.

As I write this article, I’m listening to Christmas music that just fills you up with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Wouldn’t it be delightful to spread that feeling everywhere, to everyone?

Turn your focus outward. Find ways this Holiday season to create more joy, show more appreciation, gratitude, kindness and love to others. God knows the Lebanese population needs it these days more than ever, what with the turmoil, prolonged uncertainty and economic crisis.

I always say stay close to home. Start with your surroundings and consciously improve on your demeanor with your family members, friends and colleagues.

Take it one step further and choose one of these picks to extend a helping hand:

1. Choose at least one person you could think of that could use a boost in their lives. An act of kindness. And shower them with your love and attention. When Christmas comes a-knocking, get them a present, buy them a turkey

2. A wonderful alternative would be to volunteer your services in feeding the homeless and needy in a soup kitchen. They could always use the help around this time of year. Putting a warm meal in their bellies will brighten their day and yours

3. Spread Christmas cheer and much needed good humor among underprivileged families by visiting a bunch of them on Christmas and handing out presents with Santa and a few good buddies

4. The elderly are ruthlessly discarded in Lebanon. Pay them a visit in an old folks home to make them feel seen and heard in a time when it’s critical to get the sense you’re loved and that you matter

5. Gather clothes you would otherwise discard, purchase food and medicine and reach out to people who have made it their life’s mission to aid people in despair

Your contribution doesn’t have to be something outrageous. Merely a gesture within your means. It will be life changing for you and the recipient I can promise you that much.

Give a dime out of dollar. Find someone who needs it more and give. Make a habit out of it, not simply because it’s Christmas and you will receive blessings beyond your wildest dreams.