The Art of Giving: How to Cultivate Joy this Holiday Season, and Beyond!

'Tis the season for giving. But with all the marketing, financial pressure and expectations at this time of year, sometimes giving doesn't feel so good. Sometimes it feels like an obligation. Or something you can't really afford. Or something designed to make you look good. In those cases, are you really giving anything at all? This holiday season—and throughout next year—instead of giving till it hurts or to outdo everybody else or to avoid feeling guilty, give something that makes you and the recipient feel happy. As an added bonus, this kind of giving rarely costs much! Here are some suggestions:

• Give your time. Visit a loved one you      don't see very often. Call a few special people on the phone—not a text or email—and spend some time finding out what's really going on in their lives.
• Give your skills. Give some lessons on      social media, a couple of hours of landscaping, paint a room, or babysit.
• Give gratitude. Tell someone how much they add to your life, how      they help make you a better person, how they make you smile—and thank them for it.
• Give your "Top 10" list.      Make a list of all the books, stores, service providers, movies, etc. that exceeded your expectations, and pass it on. Everybody likes to go with proven choices.
• Give a giggle. Save up the stories,  jokes or quotes that make you laugh and share them with loved ones. Again,      use the phone so you can hear each other laugh!
• Give forgiveness or an  apology. If you or someone close to you has caused pain, ask for      forgiveness or grant forgiveness. There's nothing more healing and      life-affirming than genuine forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Give random acts of      kindness. Put money in expired parking meters, pick up litter, hold the door      for somebody. The more people you help feel good, the sooner your whole world will feel great!