Q: I would like to make this coming Christmas more meaningful for me and my family than past Christmases, but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?

There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing the Lord’s love and miracle-working power firsthand, and what better time to see people’s hearts being touched by His love than at Christmas?

Here are some ideas of activities that you can do with your family or friends. Most of these require a little organization or preparation, but they’re doable. You may want to pick only one or two of these activities the first year so you don’t attempt too much and get discouraged or frazzled.

Or if the thought of attempting one of these activities from scratch seems too daunting, contact your nearest community from The Family and offer to help as a volunteer in one of their many Christmas activities.

* Go Christmas caroling
Even if you don’t have a great voice, you will have fun going door-to-door in your neighborhood singing Christmas carols. And you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to see how readily people open their doors and hearts to you as you spread Christmas cheer. It’s a great way to make new friends and show old ones that you care.

* Visit institutions
Visit the lonely and bedridden in hospitals, homeless shelters, children’s homes, or retirement homes. Bring Christmas gifts if you can—they need not be expensive or elaborate to convey love. Distribute gospel tracts. Pray with people for their needs—healing or solutions to their problems or whatever. Lead people to receive the greatest Christmas gift ever—Jesus. A little bit of love goes a long, long way!

* Baby-sit for pressured parents
During the Christmas season, parents with young children often struggle to find time for holiday shopping. Offer free babysitting to friends, at your home or theirs. You can make this a fun and meaningful time for the children by having age-appropriate activities prepared for them, such as making Christmas cards or cookies, or crafting simple gifts for their parents.

* Minister to coworkers and neighbors
Remember those people you see in the elevator every day, but don’t exchange more than a casual “good morning” with? Or the people you live next door to but hardly know?

Make an effort this Christmas get to know them. Ask the Lord to show you how you can be a blessing to them by helping them with some problem or special need they may have. Perhaps you could invite them to your Christmas dinner, event, Bible study, or to participate in one of your or The Family’s Christmas activities. Let the Lord use you to bring a co-worker or neighbor closer to Him this Christmas.

* Everyone’s an angel
Here’s a group project that you can do with your family, workmates, or friends to usher in the meaning and spirit of Christmas.

Put everyone’s name in a hat or bowl and draw names. Then each person becomes a “Christmas angel” for the person whose name they drew by doing secret deeds of kindness, such as praying for their “mortal,” leaving anonymous notes of appreciation for admirable qualities, doing anonymous favors, or leaving them simple but thoughtful gifts. Give some thought to how Jesus feels about that person, and see if you don’t come up with something special to do for him or her.

Giving from the heart can touch the giver as much as the recipient. As you make it a point to give more of yourself this Christmas, you’ll find the wellspring of joy and happiness that is Christmas at its best!