12 Easy Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer This Christmas

You may have to drag them kicking and screaming, but caroling with a friend is a great way to help them get into the holiday spirit.

It might be daunting to go singing around the neighborhood by yourselves, but you can always sign up for a church group or a community group that does annual caroling.

There is nothing like putting smiles on the faces of strangers with songs like "Deck the Halls" and "Frosty the Snowman" to truly get into the holiday mood.

And it might just put a smile on your friends' faces as well!

Everyone loves dessert, so why not make a sweet treat together?

This is a great way to "trick" a loved one into joining in the holiday fun. Simply ask for a little help in the kitchen, crank up the holiday tunes, and get to work on some delicious Santa-shaped cookies.

Before you know it, you'll be laughing, bonding, and sharing in the holiday spirit. Flour fights are highly encouraged.

An easy way to share joy around the holidays is with the gift of a pet.

No matter how "Scrooge-like" your loved ones might be, they won't be able to resist the wide eyes of an adorable little puppy.

Sometimes people simply need a tiny bit of extra love at the holidays. New pets are all about unconditional love, making them a great way to spread your positivity and cheer this season.

Probably the easiest way to get someone into the holiday spirit is by decorating.

Start up a fire in the fireplace, play some classic holiday music, and get to work transforming your home into one that oozes joy and cheer.

Decorate a Christmas tree, string lights outside your house, or even hang stockings on the fireplace.

Doing these activities together is what the holiday season is really all about.

Truly embracing the holiday spirit doesn't mean you should limit yourself to friends and family.

The next time you order a coffee or hot chocolate at the local coffee shop, tell the clerk you want to pay for the coffee of the person behind you in advance.

This small act of kindness can go an enormous way towards making a difference in someone else's life.

And who knows? Maybe they will turn around and pay it forward, sharing even more holiday cheer.

The holidays are a great time to really evaluate how much "stuff" we need.

Any old toys, books, or clothes can be a treasure to someone who can't afford presents this holiday season.

Don't wait until the last minute either. Get a donation box together right now and give it to your local church, charity, or community center.

And if you don't have extra toys laying around, many malls offer programs where you can buy underprivileged children a gift, which will be delivered for you.

When it comes to charity, the possibilities for spreading joy are limitless.

We've all been told that we shouldn't spread gossip. But the holidays are a great time to get in the habit of spreading "good gossip."

Whenever a person's name comes up in conversation, be sure to share something positive about them. Don't be afraid to throw around the compliments.

Like all gossip, this positive chatter will make its way around to the person, likely putting a giant smile on their face.

And why stop at gossip? Now is a great time to tell someone how much you value and appreciate them, right to their face. 'Tis the season!

Traveling can be one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season. So why not try to make it easier for someone you love?

Let someone borrow your car instead of having to take the bus, or offer to pick someone up at the airport.

This also gives you the opportunity to give them a big holiday hug the minute they walk out of the airport doors.

You can easily spread the holiday spirit by doing small, meaningful things for others. Though the gesture might seem small, the impact can be large and palpable.

Letter writing may seem old-fashioned, but there is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten letter in the mail.

People love getting mail. And imagine the look on a friend's face as they open your envelope to reveal a personalized, heartfelt message from you!

This can be especially meaningful for those who are homebound or don't have too many friends or family to celebrate with.

Your letter can be something they return to over and over as a reminder that they are loved.

No one likes to clean. But that's precisely why you should do as much of it as possible this holiday season.

Look for joy in doing the little tasks that no one else wants to do. This is a small and simple way to share your holiday cheer with loved ones.

Or why not go one step further? Cleaning with a loved one can be a bonding experience, and give you the opportunity to laugh, joke, and catch up.

Personalized gifts are a great way to spread your holiday cheer.

DIY projects and crafts that involve a lot of thought, time, and effort can show someone you truly value them and care.

Take your presents that one extra step this holiday season. They can make a world of difference to someone you love.

Perhaps the most important way to share your holiday joy with a "Grinch-like" loved one is by simply being there for them.

Be a good friend. Truly listen to them with an open heart. The holidays are all about generosity of spirit. Instead of being quick to judgment, really try to make a connection with each person that you care about.

And don't be afraid to reach out and initiate contact. You can increase the reach of your holiday cheer by contacting loved ones you haven't seen or spoken to in quite some time. The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect!

Getting into the holiday spirit may be easier for some than others. But don't be afraid to share your joy, love, and positivity with those around you this holiday season.

What do you do to get into the holiday spirit? Let us know in the comments.

Please SHARE these joy-filled ideas with friends and family!