We quickly approach the most exciting time of the year. Christmas is just a few days away now. You may have already started visiting with family and friends and celebrated the holidays in any number of ways. We hope, for you, that the excitement and the fun will continue on for several more days.

Our habit is to be generous and kind to each other during this time of year. Sadly, for much of the rest of the year, we can all too often be cutthroat and mean spirited toward each other.

We encourage you to carry on the Christmas spirit long past the holiday itself this year.

Look for opportunities to serve others and to show kindness all year long. The Christmas spirit lives deep inside all of us, but it doesn’t have to be buried 11 months out of the year.

In the past, we’ve encouraged you, in this space to consider some form of volunteerism, whether it be through a church, a non-profit organization or a committee or coaching position in a town rec league.

Find a way to give of yourself that matches your need to give to others. Even the poorest among us have time to give to others.

Give up a couple hours of television each week and devote yourself to service to others. Though you may think there is no benefit in that for you, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The reward for giving of yourself is immense. It is personal. It is beyond compare.

And, in giving something of your time, your skills and your expertise, you can carry on the Christmas spirit all year round.